When it comes to national security, even your love life is fair game. Forgetting to list a divorce on the security clearance application may just be a clerical error—but that doesn’t mean a background investigator won’t give you the third degree if they uncover it .
One ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber writes:
I had my interview yesterday. As the investigator was asking his questions, he mentioned my current marriage. I noticed that he did not ask about my 1996 divorce. I immediately brought it up, I had mentioned it all of my previous BIs TS and Secret clearances, so I wasn’t hiding it. The investigator (he was a piece of work) tried to play gotcha with me, stating they had found it on their databases. I pointed out to him that I mentioned it before he “got me” and that I had included it in previous investigations. I merely made a mistake.
Other than some minor clerical admin errors, dates were off of school degrees, a wrong address, is this of any concern?
Now, I will state that was one of the most unprofessional human beings I have ever met. From scheduling and canceling the interview 6 times (for the beach, car wreck, the flu”) to his personal conduct inside my office space.
It was amazing.
Read the full thread here.
If an individual omits a divorce and the information comes to light during the security clearance investigation, it could raise questions and lead to a more thorough investigation. Especially if there is a pattern of trying to hide things from the background investigation process.
But this applicant admitted the error during the interview. If that’s the only issue, no sweat.
Section 17, about relationships, specifically asks “Provide your current marital/relationship status with regard to civil marriage, legally recognized civil union, or legally recognized domestic partnership”
And allows you these options to answer:
- Never entered in a civil marriage, legally recognized civil union, or legally recognized domestic partnership (Complete 17.3)
- Currently in a civil marriage, legally recognized civil union, or legally recognized domestic partnership (Complete 17.1 and 17.3)
- Separated (Complete 17.1 and 17.3) Annulled (Complete 17.2 and 17.3)
- Widowed (Complete 17.2 and 17.3)
- Divorced/Dissolved (Complete 17.2 and 17.3)
Section 17.2 for Divorces has availability for a few entries.
Remember, DCSA recommends to not list roommates or other members of the household unless they meet the spouse-like criteria.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Be Thorough: Review the security clearance application carefully and ensure that all relevant information is included, even if it’s not explicitly listed as a requirement.
Honesty and Transparency: It’s generally recommended to be as honest and transparent as possible during the security clearance application process, even if it means including information that might not be immediately obvious.
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.
