It’s tempting. We live in a digital era where every problem seems to have a quick answer online. Got a weird symptom? WebMD. Need to fix your dishwasher? YouTube. Want to know how long your background investigation will take or if that 2009 speeding ticket matters? Where can you go for clearance advice?
But when it comes to your security clearance, Reddit is one of the worst places you can go for advice. Here’s why.
1. Every Clearance Case Is Unique
Your buddy’s cousin’s neighbor might have gotten a clearance despite debt, foreign travel, or a messy divorce. That doesn’t mean your case will play out the same way. Security clearance determinations are based on the whole person concept, a balancing of risks and mitigating factors specific to you. What worked for one person may not work for another.
2. Anonymity Breeds Bad Information
On Reddit, you don’t know if the person answering your question is a seasoned FSO (Facility Security Officer), a former investigator, or just someone with strong opinions and zero experience. Anonymity is great for venting, but it’s terrible for life-altering career decisions.
3. Outdated or Inaccurate Advice
The security clearance process changes frequently. Policies shift, forms update, and new vetting standards roll out under initiatives like Trusted Workforce 2.0. That Reddit post from 2018 about filling out an SF-86 might be flat-out wrong today.
4. Overconfidence in “Cleared Folk Wisdom”
Even individuals who have held a clearance for decades may misunderstand the rules. One of the most common pitfalls is someone saying, “Well, I didn’t report that foreign contact and nothing happened.” That’s survivorship bias, not solid guidance.
5. Real Risks to Your Career
Acting on bad clearance advice can have consequences beyond a denial. It can look like lack of candor, which is one of the hardest issues to overcome. Not reporting something because “Reddit told me I didn’t have to” won’t win you points with an adjudicator.
Where You Should Go for Clearance Guidance
If you need advice about your clearance:
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Your FSO or Security Officer: They are your official point of contact and can give case-specific guidance.
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DCSA and ODNI Resources: Both publish publicly available guidelines and FAQs.
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Reputable Sources: ClearanceJobs, official government websites, or vetted legal professionals who specialize in security clearance law.
The clearance process can feel opaque and frustrating, but don’t risk your future by trusting internet strangers with your career. When in doubt, go official. Reddit might be good for memes, but it’s not where your security clearance should live or die.
