In the journey of understanding military discharges and their implications, one crucial aspect to consider is security clearance. Security clearance on discharge papers can tell a lot about an individual's past duties, clearance level, and eligibility for future opportunities requiring security clearances. Here, we explore five spots where one should look to find or verify information related to security clearance on military discharge papers, commonly referred to as DD Form 214.
The DD Form 214 Overview
The DD Form 214 is the official document of a military service member’s discharge, encapsulating their service history, awards, decorations, and several other vital pieces of information. Before delving into where to check for security clearance, understanding what the document entails is beneficial.
Spot 1: Narrative Reason for Separation
This section is found in Block 28 of the DD Form 214. Here, the narrative reason for separation gives a brief overview of why the service member was discharged. Security clearance issues might not be directly mentioned, but reasons like ‘In Lieu of Court-Martial’, ‘Misconduct’, or ‘Security’ can hint at problems with clearances.
Important Information
- Check for: Phrases that indicate a security clearance was involved in the separation.
- Example: If the narrative reason states ‘Security’, it might suggest that clearance issues played a role.
Spot 2: Characterization of Service
Under Block 24 of the DD Form 214, the characterization of service is outlined. Types like ‘Honorable’, ‘General’, or ‘Other Than Honorable’ give insights into how the individual’s service was perceived. While not directly linked to clearance, a characterization can impact future clearance eligibility.
Implications for Clearance
- Honorable: Typically no issues; most likely had clearance without complications.
- General: May require more scrutiny regarding clearance eligibility due to administrative separation.
- Other Than Honorable (OTH) or Dishonorable: Almost certainly indicates clearance issues or loss of clearance.
Spot 3: Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Block 11 outlines the MOS, which can indicate the level of clearance a service member might have had. Jobs requiring higher clearances, like those in military intelligence or special operations, are noted here.
MOS and Clearance Levels
- High-clearance MOS: Includes positions like military intelligence analysts, cyber operators, etc.
- Non-high clearance MOS: Roles less likely to require high-level clearances, like administrative or logistics support.
Spot 4: Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized
Block 13 can give clues about an individual’s level of clearance. Medals or badges that indicate working in sensitive or classified environments might suggest clearance involvement.
Indicators of Clearance
- National Defense Service Medal: Indicates general service.
- Joint Service Commendation Medal: Often for those involved in joint operations, which might require clearance.
- Campaign Ribbons: Could be associated with operations requiring higher clearance.
Spot 5: Remarks
This is a catch-all section in Block 18 where any additional information related to clearance might be noted. It might not always directly reference clearance, but related comments or notes about eligibility or access can provide clues.
Potential Clearance Notes
- Clearance revoked: If mentioned, it’s an explicit statement.
- Eligibility for reinstatement: If clearance was suspended, there might be information on potential reinstatement.
While the DD Form 214 does not explicitly state security clearance levels or eligibility, these five spots offer crucial insights into clearance-related information. For those applying for jobs or other opportunities requiring security clearance, these hints can guide further inquiries or support decisions by potential employers or agencies.
Can you get a security clearance after being discharged?
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Yes, depending on the circumstances of your discharge, you might still be eligible for a security clearance post-discharge. The type of discharge, reason for separation, and your conduct during service are pivotal factors.
What does ‘Security’ as a reason for separation mean?
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A discharge with the narrative reason ‘Security’ often indicates that security issues, such as loss of clearance due to security violations, played a role in the separation from the service.
Are there ways to appeal if a clearance issue led to discharge?
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Yes, in certain cases, you might appeal your discharge or the circumstances leading to it. This could involve a review by a Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records, depending on the branch of service.
