If you are applying for a Security Clearance the adverse action is called a denial. If you already have a Security Clearance, the action is called a revocation.

Your security manager will give you a “Letter of Intent” (LOI). The letter will state the intended action and the reasons (in a very summary fashion) and explain your appeal rights.

Typically, the LOI contains a form which you fill out and deliver to your security manager in a very short period of time—as little as five days. If you fail to do so in time, your rights to appeal are forfeited. Always appeal. Even if you have a very weak case, you can always withdraw your appeal later, but if you don’t make a timely request, you can’t turn back the clock.

This is a simplified explanation, but generally there are three steps. First, the individual submits a written appeal to the original adjudicator, either the service central clearance facility or the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO). If that appeal is not successful, then the individual may request a further appeal to the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). Although a DOHA appeal may be had on strictly a paper review, the individual is entitled to request a personal appearance before a DOHA Administrative Judge. This is always the better approach. For military personnel and DoD civilians, the DOHA Administrative Judge makes a recommended decision, but the final decision is made by the Personnel Security Appeals Board (PSAB). The individual has no input to the PSAB, and its decisions are final and, except in very rare instances, not reviewable by a court of law. For contractors, the Administrative Judge’s decision is final.

First and foremost, they consider factual evidence either refuting or mitigating the particular security concerns identified in the LOI. Second, they consider the “whole person” which generally entails a demonstration of the individual’s importance to national security, past contributions thereto, and anticipated future contributions. Ultimately, the question is whether the granting of a clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security.

It is important to review the published adjudication guidelines and address both aggravating and mitigating factors. Whenever possible, documentary evidence is far more helpful that mere assertions. For example, where an individual is deemed a security risk due to bankruptcy, a demonstration by way of current financial statements, bank statements, proof of ownership and value of assets, current debt statements, proof of income and expenses can all paint the picture that the individual is now financially stable. Mere protestations of loyalty are rarely successful

When I accept a national security client, we assess what witnesses and documents might best make the case. Active client participation is essential. I will frequently ask clients to obtain character references, and to provide performance evaluations and other supporting documentation. We also ask clients to identify potential witnesses and solicit their cooperation.

In most cases, loss of a Security Clearance means the eventual loss of one’s job or separation from military service. For military personnel, the loss of a clearance also means that they are highly unlikely to find post-separation employment in defense-related work. I am a trained counterintelligence agent, and a military intelligence officer with over three decades of experience. I have also served as security manager in almost every unit where I have been assigned. I have seen too many cases of naïve do-it-yourselfers who lost their careers.