A security clearance earned in the military doesn’t vanish the moment you take off the uniform. In fact, it remains one of the most valuable credentials you carry into the civilian world. Federal agencies, intelligence organizations, and defense contractors all rely heavily on people who are already vetted and familiar with secure environments. Because of this, veterans often have a major hiring advantage: your clearance can follow you – if you understand how the system works and protect your eligibility during the transition.
the Defense Information System for Security (DISS)
When you serve in a position that requires access to classified information, your clearance status is maintained in the Defense Information System for Security (DISS). This database shows whether your clearance is active, current, expired, or archived. When you move into the civilian workforce, an employer with a facility clearance can access your record and “adopt” your existing eligibility, saving them the time and cost of completing a full background investigation.
Under the old periodic reinvestigation model, Secret investigations were considered in scope for 10 years and TS and TS/SCI were considered in scope for five. Under the newer Trusted Workforce 2.0 framework, the government relies on Continuous Vetting, which means most cleared personnel no longer cycle through fixed reinvestigation periods.
In Scope and Breaks in Service
During military service, your clearance stays active as long as your duties require classified access and your eligibility is not revoked or suspended. Once you separate, your access is removed, but your eligibility does not vanish. That eligibility remains visible to cleared employers in the system of record, and it can be reinstated if you pursue a cleared role soon after leaving service.
The most important factor is the length of time you have been out. Current government policy allows for reinstatement if you have a break in access of less than two years and your last investigation is still considered current. If both conditions are met, an employer can usually restore your clearance without triggering a brand new investigation. Once you cross the two year mark, reinstatement becomes much more difficult and most agencies will require a fresh investigation.
Setting Yourself Up for a Smooth Transition
A simple but valuable step before leaving the military is to confirm your clearance details with your security manager. Ask for your current eligibility level, whether you were enrolled in Continuous Vetting, and whether any administrative issues appear in your record. This information helps you understand how long your eligibility is likely to remain viable for reinstatement.
It is also wise to avoid long, unplanned gaps without affiliation to a cleared employer. Even if your eligibility is technically current, companies may view long breaks in service as more complicated or less predictable from a risk standpoint. Many veterans find the easiest path is to secure cleared employment within the first year after transition. This keeps their eligibility fresh, avoids crossing the two year threshold, and reduces the chances that a full investigation will be required.
During the transition period itself, it’s wise to avoid anything that could trigger new adjudication concerns. Financial problems, unreported foreign travel, new foreign contacts, legal issues, or drug use can all delay or derail reinstatement. Maintaining clean records, staying consistent with reporting requirements, and keeping documentation of travel, finances, and past addresses can make reactivation almost automatic when an employer requests it.
Valuable Tip
For veterans who want an additional layer of protection, serving in the National Guard or Reserve can keep a clearance fully active rather than simply current. As long as you occupy a billet requiring access to classified information, your clearance remains active, which allows civilian employers to bring you onboard with minimal delay.
By knowing your separation dates, avoiding long breaks in affiliation, applying early to cleared employers, and keeping your financial and personal records clean, you retain one of the most powerful career assets the military gives you. For many veterans, this clearance becomes the bridge into high-impact civilian roles in intelligence, cybersecurity, defense contracting, and federal service—fields that value mission-focused professionals who already understand discipline, security, and the structure of national defense.
Top Cleared Job Paths for 11B Infantry
Many veterans have a hard time trying to interpret their military service into a job in the civilian marketplace. Take for instance the 11B Infantryman. Even though infantry doesn’t always translate to a technical role, it does translate extremely well into operational, security, intelligence-support, leadership, continuity, and defense-sector work.
These roles depend heavily on discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, security familiarity, and mission execution — all things 11Bs do exceptionally well.
For the purpose of demonstration, here is a sampling of 10 jobs an 11B veteran with a security clearance could pursue after getting out:
1. Security Specialist / Security Officer (GS or Contractor)
Clearance: Secret → TS/SCI
Where: DoD, DHS, defense contractors, federal agencies
Why it fits:
You already understand classified environments, threat awareness, access control, and physical security protocols. Many 11Bs move directly into:
- SCIF security
- Facility security officer support
- Badge/credential access management
- Force protection roles
2. Intelligence Operations Specialist (non-analyst, operational support)
Clearance: TS/SCI; sometimes CI or Full Scope Poly
Where: DIA, NGA, NSA, US Army INSCOM, contractor firms
Why it fits:
These roles require people who understand:
- How ops actually happen
- How units move
- How decisions are made
- How reporting flows up the chain
Your operational understanding is an asset even without a formal intel MOS.
3. Protective Security Detail (PSD) / High-Threat Security Contractor
Clearance: Secret or TS
Where: DOS, DoD, OGA (via contractors like SOC, Triple Canopy, Constellis)
Why it fits:
Directly leverages infantry experience:
- Weapons handling
- Convoy operations
- Protective movement
- High-risk environments
Often high pay ($110K–$200K depending on contract and location).
4. Federal Law Enforcement
Clearance: TS/SCI for many
Where: FBI, USMS, DHS, HSI, ATF, DoD Police, NSA Police
Why it fits:
Strong alignment with:
- Structured environment
- Chain of command
- Training + readiness
- Operations mindset
FBI and HSI particularly value prior infantry leadership and operational discipline.
5. Operations Specialist / Operations Coordinator (Defense Sector)
Clearance: Secret or TS
Where: Defense contractors, military commands, federal agencies
Why it fits:
11Bs succeed in roles that require:
- Scheduling and coordinating missions
- Supporting unit operations
- Managing training cycles
- Tracking readiness
- Working in TOC-like environments
These roles exist across:
- SOCOM
- Installation operations centers
- Contractor support teams
6. Emergency Management Specialist
Clearance: Secret
Where: DoD, DHS, state/federal agencies
Why it fits:
Emergency response mirrors military structure:
- Incident command
- Operational planning
- Coordinated response
- Briefing leadership
- Training and drills
Many infantry NCOs transition seamlessly here.
7. Defense Contractor Training & Simulation Roles
Clearance: Secret or TS
Where: Raytheon, Lockheed, Northrop, SAIC, General Dynamics
Roles include:
- Small-unit tactics trainer
- Virtual training instructor (VBS, VR simulators)
- Range operations support
- CTC (Combat Training Center) contractors
Why it fits:
You already know battle drills, ranges, safety, weapons, and training cycle execution.
8. Counterterrorism / Force Protection Analyst
Clearance: TS/SCI
Where: DIA, DoD, CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM, contractor intel shops
Why it fits:
You understand:
- Threats
- Tactics
- Adversary behavior
- Vulnerabilities
- Base defense layouts
Your operational experience helps with threat assessments even without formal intel training.
9. Program Security Officer (PSO) / Industrial Security Specialist
Clearance: TS/SCI
Where: Defense contractors, IC agencies
Why it fits:
These roles protect classified programs. They require:
- Attention to detail
- Security awareness
- Understanding of secure environments
- Ability to manage classified material
11Bs often excel because they’re already conditioned to follow strict security protocols.
10. Defense Support Contractor (General Operations Support)
Clearance: Secret or TS
Roles include:
- Readiness coordinator
- Mission operations assistant
- Unit movement specialist
- Training support operations
Why it fits:
You’ve already done these tasks inside a military structure.
Agencies and Contractors That Actively Hire 11B Veterans
- DIA
- NSA
- NGA
- INSCOM
- SOCOM units
- DHS (CBP, HSI, ICE, FEMA)
- FBI
- Department of State
- Constellis/Triple Canopy/SOC for PSD work
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Leidos
- CACI
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- SAIC
- Raytheon
- General Dynamics
In the End …
Stepping out of the military and into civilian life doesn’t mean leaving behind the experience, discipline, or clearance you earned through years of service. When used wisely, your clearance becomes a force multiplier that opens doors into national security, intelligence, cybersecurity, federal law enforcement, and high-impact defense roles—fields that depend on people who already understand structure, accountability, and mission-focused work.
For infantry veterans in particular, the combination of operational expertise, security awareness, and proven reliability creates opportunities far beyond what many imagine when they first transition. By protecting your eligibility, understanding how the clearance transfer process works, and targeting employers who value your background, you position yourself not just for a job, but for a career that continues the mission in a new and meaningful way.
While the example of 11B – Infantryman was used in this article, the same strategy can be applied to most military MOS positions requiring a security clearance.
