My husband will be graduating with a B.S in computer science this May. We're looking to move to Huntsville, Alabama because of the number of high level tech jobs available with defense contractors down there. Some of the jobs he's seen advertised require a current security clearance for all applicants. How easy is it to get one of those and how much does it cost?
He's 24, is a natural born US citizen and has no criminal record whatsoever, he's never even had a speeding ticket.
He's the son of a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and lived on military bases until he was 19 so he's familiar with the military personnel procedures for getting one of those things but he has no idea how to get one as a civilian
2007-11-09 17:59:33 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
His business will request it through a National Agency Check (NAC). Time will depend on the level of security Secret and Confidential are the easiest, but when a full backround check is done it could take months.
Freakboy - well said.
2007-11-09 18:07:37 · answer #1 · answered by rance42 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
His employer will apply for the security clearance. At his age it probably will not take long simply because there isn't much to check. But with the situation like it is now, I really can't say that with confidence. The government is a strange place. I used to be an interviewer at a place I worked and many of our jobs required security clearance. Most came in within 30 days, but some took forever, especially if they traveled outside the US. He will need documents, birth certificate, diplomas, etc.
The security clearance are assigned to where he works and if he changes job, his clearance can be transferred to his new place of employment, but again his employer will do that. And there are lots of levels of clearance, secret, top secret, cryptographic and several above that. The level of clearance is basically a need to know. The more sensitive the material the higher the clearance. We once had an employee who was instructing a class on an invention he invented and he couldn't get into the meeting because his clearance had not come in.
2007-11-09 18:15:38 · answer #2 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can take up to 3 years and cost upwards of $50,000 dollars, depending on the level of clearance and who's asking for the clearance.
Basicly active military, CIA, NSA , FBI etc have first dibs on clearance investigations.
National security contractors come next.
The process is the same, whether government employee or civilian.
If he is hired and needs a security clearance, his employer will pay for the background investigation.
Most employers will have the new employees doing work that doesn't need a security clearance, untill it comes thru.
And for those who might be interested.
Security clearances, expire two years after they are no longer active.
IE: two years after you get out of the military and aren't working a civilian job that requires one.
2007-11-09 18:19:23 · answer #3 · answered by jeeper_peeper321 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
usually the company he works for pays for the clearance and makes all the arrangements with the fbi or the sub contractor. To my knowledge you can't apply for a clearance unless you have a job that requires one. The amount of time it takes depends on the level of the clearance. Basic grey badges for DOE employees only take a few days. Full TS or Q badges with special endorsements may take years.
2007-11-09 18:09:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
a person cannot apply for one just because, the company they work for/want to work for must request it on their behalf. THEY pay for it, and it is expensive. depending on the level.. expect a minimum of 12 months from start to finish.
If the job openings he is currently looking require a current Clearance, he is ineligible for them at this time.
2007-11-10 00:15:42 · answer #5 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋