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Good morning.. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules to answer questions and provide advice.

Veteran

Jorge Figueroa Orlando, FL

It seems that 98% of the opportunities overseas require a security clearance. Is there a way around the requirement? I was issued a TS in 2013 while on active duty, but the jobs I have had since retirement have not required a clearance; therefore it went to inactive status. I understand the contract specify the requirement, but can someone like me that already has completed the investigation and gone through the process, be granted an interim clearance to deploy overseas? What other options are there?

Look forward to a good conversation because I'm sure there are many in the same boat.

Thanks!!

15 November 2018 5 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Veteran

Jorge Figueroa Orlando, FL

Thanks Derek. I do appreciate your feedback. It's ironic that the article you reference shows two people who have never held or should ever hold a clearance based on their background and business dealings, but who have access to the highest level of security. Just voicing my frustration with the fact that I'm just trying to break into a self contained system and have not been successful. I see there is a Raytheon job fair in Jacksonville, FL at the end of the month, so I'll be there with my A game.

Advisor

Jodi Finn Sterling, VA

Hi Jorge,

You are correct - if it is required for the job, you must have it walking in. However, there are positions listed that say "must be eligible" or "ability to obtain and maintain" a Secret clearance. Those are the jobs that will be glad to see your clearance history!

Advisor

Dan Conn Arlington, VA

Hi Jorge,
Certainly having gone through an SSBI for TS and within 6 yrs (current bring up for contractors) you should be able to get an interim but it still takes a little time. Your bring up should start if the company can bring you on. Some companies can hire you in a part-time role with limited to no hours in order to get your clearance updated. You might have to suggest that. Basically, remain in your current job and be part time to the new company until the clearance gets done.
Other option would be to get another non-cleared position and work your way into it. Hope that helps some?
S/F
Dan

Advisor

Kasim English Richardson, TX

Hey there Jorge,

That is a very specific percentage! Seriously though, on this one I can honestly say you do not have much to worry about...under most conditions. Firstly, let me just get out ahead of this by saying that most defense contractors, Raytheon included, will often "prefer" a clearance be in an active state, but if you have a set of skills and abilities that are too valuable to pass up, it's very common to have them foot the bill on turning your clearance back on (turn it back up, as it were); you're worth the financial risk at that point.

That said, and the caveat here, depending on the breadth of your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job you want and factoring the number of other competing applicants (no real way of you knowing this, usually) the decision to turn someone's clearance back up is a heavier one for the employer. In other words, if you're competing against an applicant that has the same KSAs as you do AND they have an active clearance, they may decide to interview both of you but "might" lean more towards the one with the active clearance unless you can really impress in the interview.

the point is this: just because your clearance is inactive doesn't mean it can NEVER be reactivated under the right circumstances.

Advisor

Derek Nielsen Hudson, NH

Major Figueroa,

If a clearance is required then there is no way around the application process that I am aware of. If your clearance was deactivated within 2 years then the process is quicker and easier as I understand it. I too have held a TS and Secret and different career points and am currently going through the process again for a Secret. The interim clearances seem to be taking almost as long as the actual clearance itself. I do know that a directive for the Pentagon to take over the clearance process from the Office of Personnel Management. This will happen over a few years though so will not be of any relief right now. In my case, my investigation was initiated a year ago. Here is an article describing what I referenced for your review:

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2018-06-01/apnewsbreak-pentagon-to-take-over-security-clearance-checks

Regards,
Derek

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