Security clearances are a privilege, not a right, and those granted access to the nation’s most sensitive information must adhere to a strict set of standards. Every new year, the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals publishes summaries of denials and revocations for the previous year. So here are the top five reasons security clearances were denied or revoked in 2023.
Financial Issues
Year after year, financial issues are the number one reason clearance holders (or clearance hopefuls) lose or get denied their clearances. In 2023, financial issues remained the number one reason, resulting in 602 denials, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 624. Individuals facing significant debts or financial mismanagement were deemed susceptible to coercion or bribery, compromising their reliability and trustworthiness as potential security risks.
Personal Conduct
Personal conduct plays a crucial role in maintaining a security clearance. Dishonesty or a lack of discretion in personal relationships can call into question an individual’s judgment and reliability. Agencies are particularly concerned with behaviors that may make an individual vulnerable to exploitation or compromise. Personal conduct played a role in 266 denials last year, up from 247 the year prior.
Drug Involvement
Denials due to drug involvement saw an increase, with 212 denials in 2023 compared to 148 in 2022. The expanding legalization of substances like marijuana contributed to this uptick, reinforcing the strict prohibition against illegal drug use due to its potential impact on reliability, trustworthiness, and adherence to regulations critical for maintaining security clearance integrity.
Criminal Conduct
Engaging in criminal activities, regardless of the severity, can jeopardize a security clearance. This includes not only convictions but also arrests and ongoing investigations. Those involved in illegal activities may be more susceptible to manipulation or compromise, posing a threat to national security. This category also saw an uptick, with 116 denials vs. 2022’s 101.
Alcohol Consumption
Excessive drinking can impair cognitive functions, compromise decision-making abilities, and increase the risk of erratic behavior, all of which are undesirable traits in someone entrusted with sensitive information. 69 clearances were denied last year due to alcohol consumption, which is down from 82 the year prior. A pattern of alcohol-related issues may indicate a lack of self-discipline and the potential for susceptibility to outside influence, posing a potential security risk.
Maintaining a security clearance is a serious responsibility, and individuals must adhere to high standards of personal and professional conduct. Awareness of these top five reasons for clearance revocation can help individuals make informed decisions to protect their security status and contribute to national security.
