At this year’s NCMS Annual Seminar in Kissimmee, Florida, the ClearanceJobs Content team is connecting with security professionals from across the country. It’s also the perfect setting to revisit a foundational—but often misunderstood—role within the cleared workforce: the Facility Security Officer (FSO).
An FSO is a policy-mandated position required for any facility holding a Facility Clearance (FCL) under the National Industrial Security Program. But far from being just a compliance box-checker, a great FSO is an essential leader who shapes the health and resilience of an organization’s security program.
They are the frontline of both defense and offense. They help identify issues before they arise, engage the workforce, and implement continuous vetting practices that have become the norm across the personnel security process.
With evolving threats and a growing emphasis on agility in national security, FSOs are stepping up in new ways—leading proactive, responsive, and even engaging security programs. The days of passive reinvestigation are gone, replaced by a need for continuous oversight and rapid action.
That’s why events like NCMS are so important. They provide opportunities to elevate the role of FSOs, share best practices, and emphasize the profession’s growing complexity and impact.
Whether you’re a security professional, just entering the cleared workforce, or looking to level up your career, understanding the FSO role is key. And if your organization holds an FCL? You must have an FSO—it’s not just a best practice; it’s a requirement.
