Security Clearances & Family Preparation

A security clearance is a government authorization that allows you to access classified information. Many military jobs require one because the work involves sensitive national security information. The clearance process involves a thorough background investigation to determine whether you're trustworthy and reliable.

Additional designations: SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) is a subset of Top Secret for highly sensitive intelligence sources and methods. SAP (Special Access Programs) have their own access controls beyond standard clearance levels.

• Many military jobs require at least a Secret clearance
• Intelligence, communications, cyber, nuclear, special operations, and certain technical roles typically require Top Secret or TS/SCI
• Infantry, mechanical, transportation, food service, and some medical roles may require only Confidential or no clearance
• Your recruiter can tell you what level of clearance your specific job requires

Secret Clearance (Tier 3 Investigation)

• Automated records checks — criminal history, credit history, employment records, education verification
• Only about 25% of Secret clearance applications require additional fieldwork by a background investigator
• Typical processing time: weeks to a few months

Top Secret Clearance (Tier 5 Investigation)

The criteria are the same as for Secret, but the investigation is far more extensive:

• Subject interview — a face-to-face interview with a federal investigator
• Reference interviews — investigators contact your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates
• Financial review — detailed examination of credit history, debts, and financial patterns
• Foreign contacts and travel — investigation of any foreign connections
• Residences — every address you've lived at (typically for the past 10 years)
• Employment — every job you've held
• Education — all schools attended
• Legal history — any interactions with law enforcement
• Typical processing time: several months to over a year

All clearance investigations begin with the SF 86 (Standard Form 86), titled "Questionnaire for National Security Positions." It's completed electronically through the e-QIP system. The SF 86 asks about:

Note: Routine counseling for grief, family issues, and similar life events is not disqualifying. The form asks about mental health counseling in specific contexts only.

The investigation looks at the "whole person" — no single factor automatically disqualifies you (with rare exceptions). However, these are major concerns:

• Financial irresponsibility — Excessive debt, bankruptcies, unpaid bills, gambling debts. This is one of the most common reasons for denial. The concern is that someone in financial distress may be vulnerable to bribery.
• Criminal history — Felonies, multiple misdemeanors, recent offenses. Context matters — how recent, how serious, evidence of rehabilitation.
• Drug use — Recent illegal drug use or drug trafficking. Past marijuana use may be mitigated; recent or ongoing use is a problem.
• Foreign influence — Close ties to foreign nationals, especially from adversarial countries. Foreign citizenship, financial interests, or government contacts.
• Dishonesty — Lying on the SF 86 or during the investigation. This is taken very seriously and can result in permanent disqualification. Always be honest, even about negative information.
• Allegiance concerns — Membership in organizations advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government or terrorist organizations.
• Alcohol abuse — DUIs, alcohol-related incidents, diagnosed alcohol use disorder.

Reinvestigation Schedule

• Top Secret: Reinvestigation every 5 years
• Secret: Reinvestigation every 10 years
• Confidential: Reinvestigation every 15 years

Note: The Continuous Vetting program is replacing periodic reinvestigations with ongoing automated checks for many clearance holders.

Why a Clearance Matters for Your Civilian Career

A military security clearance is one of the most valuable career assets you can acquire:

• Many defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and government positions require clearances
• The civilian cost to sponsor someone for a clearance investigation is significant — having one already makes you highly competitive
• Certain cleared positions pay $10,000–$30,000+ more than their uncleared equivalents
• Your clearance remains active for a period after you leave the military, making the transition to cleared civilian work easier

For Single Service Members

• Limited control over where you live
• Dating can be complicated when you move every 2–4 years
• Some duty stations are in isolated or rural locations
• Deployments and training exercises take you away for weeks or months

For Married Service Members or Those in Relationships

• Frequent separations: Deployments (6–12 months), training exercises, TDY (Temporary Duty) assignments
• Geographic instability: PCS moves every 2–4 years mean your spouse may need to change jobs, your kids change schools, and you leave behind established communities
• Communication challenges: During deployment, communication may be limited to email, phone calls, or video calls — sometimes with significant time zone differences. Operational security (OPSEC) may restrict what you can discuss.
• Readjustment periods: When service members return from deployment, there's often a rocky readjustment period. The spouse established new routines; the returning member may feel like they don't fit in their own household.
• Emotional challenges: Missing birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, births, and other life events is common

Military spouse employment is one of the biggest challenges of military family life:

• 28% of active-duty spouses experienced a PCS move in the past year — meaning they may need to find a new job annually
• Spouse unemployment and underemployment rates are significantly higher than the civilian average
• Licensing requirements for professions like nursing, teaching, and law vary by state — a PCS move may require relicensing
• Remote work has improved this situation somewhat, but it remains a challenge
• MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account): Provides up to $4,000 for education, training, and licensing for military spouses

• Children change schools an average of 6–9 times during a military career
• The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children helps with school transitions (enrollment, records transfer, course placement)
• DoDEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) operates schools on many military installations
• Military children are resilient but may struggle with frequent moves, making and losing friends, and parental absences
• Free counseling services are available through Military OneSource and installation Family Readiness Centers

PCS moves are mandatory relocations to a new duty station. Active-duty members typically PCS every 2–4 years. Key facts:

• Cost: The military covers most moving expenses (household goods shipping, travel pay, temporary lodging allowance)
• Housing: You'll receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) at the new location's rate, or you may live in on-base housing
• Household goods: The military will ship your belongings (weight limits apply based on rank)
• Vehicles: The military ships one privately owned vehicle for overseas moves
• DLA (Dislocation Allowance): A one-time payment to help cover miscellaneous moving costs

• Deployment frequency varies enormously by branch, job, and current world events
• The military provides a Family Readiness Group (FRG) or equivalent support network during deployments
• Readiness checklist: Before deployment, ensure wills, powers of attorney, family care plans, and financial arrangements are in order
• Communication: Most deployed locations now have internet and phone access (restrictions may apply in combat zones)
• R&R (Rest and Recuperation): During longer deployments, service members may receive mid-tour leave

• Dual BAH: Married service members receive BAH at the "with dependents" rate (higher than single rate)
• Family Separation Allowance: $250 per month when separated from family for 30+ days due to military orders
• TRICARE for families: Active-duty family healthcare coverage with very low out-of-pocket costs
• Life insurance: SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) provides $400,000 coverage for about $25 per month
• Survivor benefits: If the worst happens, programs like TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) provide ongoing support