The SF-86 form is filled out online, and once it is finished, the applicant should go over it with the Facility Security Officer (FSO). FSOs notoriously have to kickback the form (eApp) to applicants to correct mistakes. Does the FSO notice all of those mistakes?
One ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber writes:
Hi everyone,
Haven’t seen this answer asked yet, hoping y’all can enlighten me. My e-app was kicked back for more details on 2 sections, but I realized that the addresses from my previous reinvestigation were not correct (and I didn’t verify until now).
If I were to change this information now (not the information they have asked me to correct), would my security office see that I changed my answer from the previous submittal or do they not see the sections that were changed and they just see the most current submittal and verify that? I don’t want it to look like I didn’t pay full attention when filling out the form the first time. Don’t want to look bad to the company for not using attention to detail, but regardless I am going to go back through with a fine tooth comb and update all information.
I guess my overall question is do the FSOs only see the most recent submittal or all submittals/changes? Thanks in advance for all the useful information you guys give on here. Cheers!
Does an FSO See Mistakes on Your SF-86?
The FSO is the initial point of contact for reviewing information provided for the SF-86 / eApp. Their role is to confirm that the form is complete, accurate, and that all necessary waivers and signatures are included. However, FSOs do not make decisions regarding the security clearance process; they are not authorized to judge, make adjudicative calls, or decide on the clearance request—they simply ensure the form’s completeness.
While the FSO may notice the changes, this is not a detail an applicant should be concerned about. Mistakes happen, and the FSO is helping you throughout the process to ensure you submit a complete and thorough application.
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.
