As a returned Peace Corps volunteer, I am disqualified from attaining a security clearance. Thus, I am now ineligible for many types of federal employment and military service.
This disqualification is permanent.
Peace Corps never warned me of these specific risks and nothing is explicitly said in any of its literature, application material, or on its website (http://www.peacecorps.gov).
What action, if any, can I take against the agency for its apparent negligence?
This has dealt a devastating blow to my career plans and I'll have a hard time recovering from this. Peace Corps service is strictly voluntary and, had I been made aware of these facts in advance, I may very well have decided not to serve as a volunteer.
No rude answers, please. Having no legal background, I don't claim to be an expert on the subject and highly value any outside opinions.
2006-12-23 14:33:41 · 9 answers · asked by Student 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I understand your disappointment. You can take no action against the Peace Corps. There is no right to federal or military service. No law has been violated; no tort (actionable negligence) has been committed against you.
If you want to do something principled (and a Peace Corps volunteer sounds like the kind of guy who would), lobby for a requirement that the Peace Corps counsel its recruits on the ramifications of serving.
You may be able to apply for a waiver. I know that the Air Force had assignment limitation codes which prevented a former Peace Corps volunteer from being assigned to the nation in which he volunteered. I understand the reason for it...we don't want people to be suspicious of Peace Corps volunteers and we don't want conflicted loyalties.
Hope the possibility of waiver is of some use to you. I'm sorry. Thank you for your service.
2006-12-23 14:41:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've not been but I have a friend coming back from eastern europe after two years in a few months. From what I understand, every single person's experience is different. Whether its a good experience depends on a couple things: the job you're assigned (and whether you have the community's support morally and financially and whether you have institutionalized goals), your living accommodations (if its with a family, how many volunteers they've hosted (the more the better), whether you'll have your own room, what the amenities are like, if its not with a family, whether there are lots of volunteers/support in the area or if you're alone, if you have easy access to packaged food, etc) the country (if its a big cultural difference from the US, if its a difficult language, if it's a dangerous political climate). Go and look at the Peace Corp website, they don't use volunteers for everything, only for certain areas. Generally, you need a degree in one of the areas or several years work experience. If you're in HS, see what interests you and try to get a college degree in that area. If you're already in college, see what fits for you and go to a peace corp informational meeting, they're usually held on campuses at least once a year. I remember my friend saying that its important to them that you be aware of what all it entails, so grab a couple books about the peace corp, and be aware that they discourage religious ministry since you're there as an employee of the federal government, that is important to them too.
2016-05-23 03:02:37 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you disqualified? I can't see how this would disqualify from a Secret Security Clearance. I mean process is completely automated, they to make sure someone's doesn't have a criminal record and that someone doesn't have credit issues. That's it.
Even for top secret, I'm confused how it would affect anything. The CIA hires people who admit to having a drug problem.
But yes if you truly are barred from Federal Service I would contact a lawyer.
2006-12-23 14:46:22 · answer #3 · answered by dtshaff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im no legal expert either, but, I would think the peace corps is a big enough organization, where they will overthrow your legal action. Did they make you sign a contract in order to volunteer? Did you read the whole thing?
2006-12-23 14:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by woah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Sean,
First, make certain you review
every single document you personally
signed.
Go over all their literature/pamphlets,
website, etc, and if there was no warning
then you most definitely have the right to
seek clearance.
So you´ll need to find a lawyer who has
balls and agrees to work pro bono.
Good luck!
2006-12-23 14:43:19 · answer #5 · answered by vim 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A better question is, what kind of policy would seek to punish you for volunteering to help in a underdeveloped country? You helped where most others wouldn't. In a country where we think a five dollar contribution is "making a difference", you sacrificed months of your time. I think you should seek relief from this policy. Do you really want to work for people like that?
2006-12-23 14:56:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have no legal answer but there is still some good government agency willing to offer you a job.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.former.carres.joblinks
2006-12-23 14:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by Grandpa Shark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who told you that you can't get a security clearance?
If true, that does suck.
I wish I had some good advice for you. Good luck.
2006-12-23 14:44:11 · answer #8 · answered by Bad M 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Screw you? I can't comment
2006-12-23 14:35:30 · answer #9 · answered by raxy 1 · 0⤊ 5⤋