In the world of government and military security clearances, maintaining eligibility to access classified information is essential for many professionals. However, there are instances where an individual’s clearance status may be flagged with a “loss of jurisdiction” designation. But what exactly does this mean, and how does it impact an individual’s ability to hold or regain a security clearance?
It takes “use or lose it” to a pretty literal level.
“I got LOJ (Loss of Jurisdiction) in my clearance record after I left my current job for 3 days. I would assume my clearance status should be inactive since I don’t have any sponsor any more. But I am still eligible for access once another company takes my clearance over. Could somebody tell me what happened here?”
A loss of jurisdiction (LOJ) occurs when a government agency or adjudicating authority no longer has the authority to make a determination about an individual’s security clearance. This typically happens when:
-
The individual leaves a cleared position, resigns, or is terminated before an investigation or adjudication is completed.
-
A security clearance application is withdrawn or discontinued before a final decision is made.
-
A contract ends or an employer no longer sponsors the clearance process.
In essence, an LOJ status does not mean that a clearance has been revoked or denied—it simply means that no agency currently has the authority to make a final decision on the clearance.
Implications of a Loss of Jurisdiction
While an LOJ does not mean clearance revocation, it can create hurdles for individuals seeking employment in roles that require a security clearance. The key consequences include:
-
Employment Delays – If an individual seeks another cleared position, the new employer may need to initiate a fresh investigation or request the reactivation of the clearance, which can take awhile.
-
Reinstatement Challenges – If there were unresolved issues (such as an ongoing investigation or security concerns), they will need to be addressed when the clearance is reinitiated.
-
Potential Clearance Denial – While an LOJ does not mean automatic denial, unresolved issues in a prior investigation may resurface, leading to an adverse determination when the clearance process is resumed.
How to Address a Loss of Jurisdiction
For individuals who receive an LOJ status, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate complications:
-
Secure a new sponsoring employer – Since security clearances are tied to government agencies or contractors, a new sponsor is necessary to restart the adjudication process.
-
Monitor clearance status – Individuals can check their clearance standing through systems like the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) through their Facility Security Officer (FSO).
-
Address unresolved concerns – If there were pending investigations or issues that triggered the LOJ, resolving them proactively can help facilitate a smoother reinstatement.
A loss of jurisdiction is not the same as losing a security clearance, but it does mean that an individual’s eligibility is in limbo until an incident is addressed. For those in the defense, intelligence, or government contracting sectors, understanding how to navigate an LOJ status is crucial for maintaining career continuity in sensitive roles.
As security clearance policies continue to evolve, staying informed and proactive is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays or complications when transitioning between cleared positions. Best way to do that? Stick here with us, of course.
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.
