The military prepares you for a variety of things – but it doesn’t always prepare you for how to be successful in a civilian career. Here are the top questions vets ask about their security clearance.
How do I know if my clearance is current?
If you’re unsure if you have a security clearance from your military service, it’s a good idea to ask your current unit security officer before you separate from service. If you are currently using your security clearance for the scope of your military duties, it’s still a good idea to check and determine the date of your last investigation. Your clearance will remain current for a period of two years after you separate from service, assuming your investigation hasn’t expired.
If you’ve already left military service, calling your old security officer may still be the fastest way to check on your clearance status. If you’re not sure who to contact, you can make a Privacy Act request for your personnel records.
What can I do if my clearance has lapsed?
If you know your clearance has expired, don’t despair – there are still a number of recruiters willing to take a chance on a ‘sure thing.’ The best thing to do in that case is to apply early – long before you separate from military service. Because of the current background investigation backlog, it can take months or even a year to get a final clearance determination. An interim may be obtained much faster, in a matter of weeks. List your prior clearance and investigation date on your resume and identify yourself as ‘clearable.’
I obtained a secret clearance in the military – is that useful in the civilian job market?
Absolutely! Your military experience and security clearance make you a great match for a variety of national security careers. Be sure to list your clearance on your resume. Check out these resources to see what kinds of civilian positions may be the best match for your military job skills.
How Can I keep my security clearance current while I use my GI bill benefits?
Your clearance will only remain ‘current’ for a period of two years after you separate from service. If you decide to pursue a full-time college career after the military, keep that in mind. The best way to keep your clearance active and keep using your GI bill benefits is to pursue some type of part-time or temporary employment. Even a summer internship may be a viable option to use your clearance, keep your status, and still maintain your benefits. If you have concerns about how to balance college and part-time work or apprenticeship programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to your college advisor or a military transition counselor.
