What is the process of re-activating a security clearance and how long will it typically take?

PV2 Qua Thompson — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:21:29 -0500

I have an opportunity to do contract work overseas but my Security clearance has lapsed. What is the process of getting it re-activated and how long will it typically take?

Response by Christine Gray made Nov 15 at 2016 12:24 PM

Christine Gray — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:24:22 -0500

Are you self employed? Else, your employer should have a security officer who would begin the process; it has to be paid for by someone! Secret clearances are supposed to be in the six month time frame.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Nov 15 at 2016 12:31 PM

SFC William Stephens — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:31:16 -0500

OPM is behind on investigations tell them the truth. it all depends on the of clearance and type of investigation. No one is going to due you any special favors.

Response by PV2 Qua Thompson made Nov 15 at 2016 12:36 PM

PV2 Qua Thompson — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:36:58 -0500

I wasn't asking for special favors, I asked what the process was to see what I could do on my own; if I can do anything at all

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 1:14 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 13:14:06 -0500

The company you were hired on with will have to "opt-in" you. You cannot start an investigation, the employer does.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 2:22 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:22:08 -0500

Depending on the time of the lapse. I would assume if it has been a few years, you would probably have to go through the whole shindig (depending on the level). If it's only been a few weeks to a couple months, it should be less of a hassle but you'll have to fill out some paperwork.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 5:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 17:02:38 -0500

PV2 Qua Thompson There is no such thing as reactivating your security clearance. As soon as you let it expire or is no longer needed, then you have to do the investigation again. Also, there is no how long it takes, you just have to get with your security manager and start the process ASAP, then is up to you how long you take to fill out the security questionnaire.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 8:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 20:05:04 -0500

Secret clearances are currently good for 10 years, but that is going to change to 5 years in October 2017. If you have been out for less than two years and your last investigation was less than 5 years, then there is a good chance that your clearance can be reactivated with minimal work (most of which will be transparent to you).

Essentially the contractor's FSO will check JCAVs or JPAS to see what the status of you clearance is (active, dormant, or revoked) and determine if they need to submit a new SF 86 and a complete re-investigation or if they can get by with a periodic reassessment to reactivate your clearance.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 15 at 2016 9:50 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 21:50:31 -0500

used to I was up to the Command... and they can reactivate up to the previous Lever on an interim basis and it takes 30-60 days to get a permeant clearance, and up to 90 for upgrades... or it used to...