Can I be liable for sensitive material that allows a clearance if I did not have a security clearance beforehand?
And.. may I speak of the event that happened before my contract agreement with a security clearance even though I've obtained a clearance shortly thereafter? Even if the clearance was forced upon me?
AND...Though my clearance has expired, may I speak of the event which happened before I obtained the security clearance in which still remains classified?
In otherwords, something happened in Iraq ..where I was then charged for something that never took place. Then forced to obtain a security clearance.. Which has now expired... Would exposing this entire incident screw my life over?
I just want to know the technical information.
2006-07-21 15:32:05 · 5 answers · asked by stealth_n700ms 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
No, you cannot just disclose anything that requires a security clearance, even if you didn't have one at the time. You can get into even more trouble for viewing classified material without a clearance. If something happened that you were wrongfully punished and it involves a security clearance issue, you need to talk to JAG about it, and let them know it involves security issues. And even though you didn't have a clearance before hand, there is an implied duty to not disclose, that you can still get in trouble for, and you don't want to know the trouble if your disclosure results in something bad happening to soldiers. You can still be charged with treason and stuff like that in the civillian world.
2006-07-21 15:59:23 · answer #1 · answered by sweets 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, a clearance just means you've been cleared to view classified material. I would imagine that you'd also have to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which says that you won't reveal what you've seen except to someone else with a similar clearance in a secure environment.
You'll have to decide to what extent you will honor that agreement. There can be compelling reasons to violate it. There are also good reasons not to. Generally, if withholding information is causing harm, or preventing people from making informed decisions, then it would be unethical not to speak out. On the other hand, if the information would violate someone's privacy, or put someone in jeopardy, it would be unethical to reveal it.
If you're concerned about the legalities, then talk to a lawyer. Don't expect justice from a military justice system. I don't think civilian justice systems will hold you to an agreement made through coercion, though.
2006-07-21 15:41:04 · answer #2 · answered by Sandsquish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is: no.
You are legally bound to protect any and all classified information you know. Period.
BTW - there are some serious holes in your story that are obvious to people who understand security clearances and how to (and when you can) place a security classification on information.
2006-07-22 06:51:53 · answer #3 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer this, if telling people to make yourself feel better hurts someone else does it matter whether or not you break your oath that covers all military persons all of their time in and afterwards?
2006-07-21 15:36:59 · answer #4 · answered by InnerCircle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what the hell are you talkin about? classified things? well if you were not there when things happened you are okay, but if you were there good luck buddy.
2006-07-21 17:55:24 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋