The security clearance application is a crucial part of the security clearance process, used to assess an individual’s eligibility to access classified information. Lying on this form is a serious offense that can have significant consequences.
While some applicants admit to purposefully withholding information on the form, in many cases subjects not that lying on the form was an accident. Here is a case of “unintentionally lying” from a poster on the ClearanceJobsBlog:
On my SF-86 I mentioned that I left a former job by informing my manager that I would after I graduated college, however, during my security interview I also disclosed that I may have been terminated due to calling off more than 3 times during a 30-day rolling period. When I did my polygraph, I also mentioned that I no-call/no-show to work on the last month of graduation. The truth is I don’t truly know how or why I was terminated as I never got any email, phone call, or text as to why. I passed the polygraph, but my background investigator reached out asking why I had a discrepancy between the SF86 and the security interview, to which I responded that I had mentioned to my manager that I would be leaving after graduation and that I did call off more than 3 times in 30 days. I then sent a follow-up email also covering the fact that I did no-call/no-shows to my job as well. There are 3 different reasons for my potential exit from my previous job and they are all true in that I did them, however, I understand that it looks really suspicious and poor on my end. I know how I ended my previous employment is irresponsible and it is a shame that I will carry for the rest of my life. But after reading some of the posts here, it seems like the greater sin was not disclosing all 3 of these potential reasons in the SF-86. When completing the SF-86 I truly had no intention of covering anything up, and when i did my security interview going over the employment I thought I had put everything off my chest when mentioning that I called off more than 3 times, however, that was not true at all when I completed the polygraph and realized I never gave all the potential reasons why I was terminated. I think the last potential reason why I was terminated, was me trying to cover all bases to make sure there was no chance of me lying but in the end, this all looks bad.
My question is what are the chances of me being cleared at all for this incident. I looked into it and it looks pretty slim but I would like some of your guys’ input on this as well. I know what I did was wrong in that I should have been more descriptive, detailed, and introspective when answering that question, but what happened, happened and I can only move on and learn from this massive mistake.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have provided false information on the security clearance application, here are some steps you should consider:
1. Acknowledge the Mistake
Recognize the importance of honesty in the security clearance process. Understand that integrity is a cornerstone of obtaining and maintaining clearance.
Determine whether the misinformation was intentional or an honest mistake. This distinction can impact how you proceed, depending on if it is an intentional lie vs. honest error.
2. Take Immediate Action
Notify the appropriate government official or your security officer as soon as possible. The sooner you rectify the mistake, the less damaging it may be.
3. Be Honest and Transparent
When addressing the issue, provide a complete and honest explanation. Transparency can demonstrate your willingness to rectify past errors. If applicable, gather documents or evidence that support your explanation or clarify the discrepancies.
4. get Legal Advice
Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in security clearance matters if it gets to the point of a Statement of Reasons. Legal guidance can help you navigate the complexities of your situation, and can also help you understand potential consequences and advise you on the best course of action.
5. Prepare for Potential Outcomes
Be aware that falsifying information can lead to denial or revocation of your security clearance and may impact your employment. Highlight any mitigating factors, such as time passed since the misinformation or evidence of personal and professional growth.
Acting promptly and responsibly can help mitigate the consequences and demonstrate your commitment to upholding the trust essential for handling sensitive information. No one is perfect, and anxiety gets the best of many applicants. Misrepresenting the reason for getting fired would be considered in light of the whole person concept. In this case being up front through the investigation and polygraph process are the best – and only – steps for an applicant to take.
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
