Can I Get Security Clearance Without a Sponsor? Getting Your Foot in the Door
When it comes to obtaining security clearance, you absolutely must have a sponsor. A Security Clearance is not like a Driver’s License, which is issued to an individual who may…
C-3 Canadian Citizenship and Your Security Clearance
When Canada passed Bill C-3 to amend the rules governing citizenship by descent, they probably weren’t concerned with the ensuing panic from American security clearance…
The Origins of SEAD-4: Defining and Working within The Circle of Trust
Signed by then Director of National Intelligence, James E. Clapper, in June 2017, SEAD-4 is the common regulatory rubric for all Executive branch elements with Security programs…
O (No) Canada: C-3 Canadian Citizenship and Security Clearance Eligibility
On December 15th, 2025, many Americans awoke to find themselves suddenly Canadian—myself included. Bill C-3 (An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act) extended Canadian citizenship…
Keeping Your Security Clearance After an Arrest
Things are not always black and white in security adjudications. A prime example is the question of whether a Guideline J, Criminal Conduct concern could follow any arrest, even…
Uncertainty Remains: Rescheduling Hype & Medical Marijuana
Marijuana reclassification was a source of hype well before President Trump issued the executive order “Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research” on December 18,…
Risky Business: Marijuana-Related Investments & Business Ventures Could Jeopardize Your Security Clearance
Despite widespread legalization at the state level, marijuana is currently classified as an illegal Schedule I substance under federal law. It is recommended that individuals…
Schedule III Cannabis Won’t Change Much for Security Clearance Holders
Making cannabis a Schedule III drug is unlikely to change things for most security clearance holders and applicants any time soon. President Trump directed the attorney general to…
The Hazards of Being a Global Citizen and Doing Classified Work: Guideline B, Foreign Influence
In the context of eligibility for access to classified information, Guideline B, Foreign Influence is one (1) of the thirteen (13) Adjudicative criteria established by Security…
What Is Guideline A? How Allegiance to the United States Affects Security Clearances
While not a commonly seen reason for security clearance revocation or denial, certain situations can trigger concerns under Guideline A: Allegiance to the United States. What is…