Mary Shafer wrote:
Mike Marron wrote:

I've been following this thread with interest and was just curious as
to exactly what constitutes a "security clearance." Can't you even
provide us with a vague, thumbnail sketch of what a top secret
security clearance is?

A clearance is a signed piece of paper allowing the named person to
access classified material, subject to a need to know. No more, no
less.

With family flying down to visit over the holidays, my darling wife is
all worried about their safety due to the raised threat-level from
Arab terrorists. I can certainly understand why guys like you and Ed
aren't interested in discussing the in's and out's of the security
clearance mechanism, but again, since the topic was brought up
can't either of you briefly explain what a security clearance is and
why it's so important? Again, just asking and please pardon my
ignorance.

A clearance is just what it sounds like, clearance to access
classified material. Why is it important? If you are being paid to
work on something classified, you can't do much if you can't even read
the documentation.

Granting a clearance includes conducting a background investigation,
which is what you're probably asking about. A background
investigation begins with the person filling out a form listing
education, employment, residences, and references. Employers and
schools are contacted to verify dates, references are interviewed, and
an assessment of the person's reliability at keeping classified
material classified is made. Based on this, the clearance is either
granted or refused.

What are some factors in granting or refusing a clearance? Whether
the person has any characteristics that might make the person subject
to pressure to reveal classified information is the main one. Being a
closeted homosexual leaves you open to blackmail, but being out of the
closet doesn't, for example. Also, whether the person might be
unstable, like being an alcoholic or the member of an odd sect
(religious or political) or carrying a grudge. Being in debt or
having too much money is something they ask about, too.

The whole investigation and report come down to whether it's a good
idea to trust the person to keep classified information classified.

You;re the best, Mary. Thanks!