If you live anywhere near defense and intelligence work, it’s common for your friends or colleagues to get listed as a reference on the SF-86 when you go for a security clearance. But what does that mean for your contacts? What should they expect? And does it matter who you pick? No need to try to control the narrative, but some of your contacts are better suited than others to navigating the investigation process with you.
5 Things Contacts on Your SF-86 Can Expect
Here’s what your contacts can expect when you put them down on your SF-86.
1. Relationship
Your contact needs to establish a clear picture of how they know you. The investigator will verify your contact’s full name, address, and the context of your relationship. Whether it’s your book club friend or a neighbor, they should be able to articulate your relationship well.
2. Brevity
The investigator isn’t there to make friends. They are cordial but extremely to the point. The goal is to accomplish the task as quickly as possible, and if answers are straightforward, the whole call should take 15 minutes or less.
3. Loyalty
The investigator is keen on understanding how you feel about the United States. Questions about finances or foreign travel are really about who is funding you and who might want to bribe you. They want to ensure your loyalty to national security, so expect questions about your personal finances and close foreign relationships.
4. Specifics
The background investigation is all about building a detailed picture of you. The investigator will ask specific questions about your relationship, verifying dates and details to ensure consistency with your resume. Your contact should be prepared to answer these specific inquiries.
5. Honesty
A key component is verifying your trustworthiness. The investigator will ask about your adherence to rules and your overall honesty. These questions might be integrated into broader questions about your relationship or asked directly to gauge your reliability.
Pick the Right People for Your SF-86
When filling out your SF-86, it’s crucial to choose the right people. Opt for friends or colleagues who can provide clear, concise information about you without going off on tangents. If you have the choice between a precise friend and one who rambles, go with the precise friend. Avoid contacts who might inadvertently complicate the process by going down unnecessary rabbit trails.
Remember, while the investigator wants a full picture of you, they also want to complete their task efficiently. So, choose wisely to ensure a smooth and effective clearance process.
