What exactly is the difference between an active and inactive security clearance?

Question

I was in the U.S. Navy and I held a Top Secret security clearance which should last me 5 years from the time the clearance was granted to me. Now I'm no longer doing the Navy fulltime (Currently a Reservist) And I'm in the job market at the time. So I suppose since I don't currently have a job which requires the TS Clearance it's now inactive correct? What will the potential employer have to do to reactivate my clearance? Will they have to run another kind of background check?

Answer 1

Active means exactly that, if you apply for a job that requires lets say a secret security clearance, you will already have it so there is no need to submit and see if you would get it. Inactive means that you once held a security clearance and that chances are you can obtain one again as long as you haven't done anything to s***w it up. While I was in the USMC I had what was called a national security clearance meaning that it was above TS for the job function I was in. Once I got out I had to get another security clearance through US Customs when i got hired with them. My national security clearance was inactive as soon as my duty was completed so I had to re apply for another one with Customs. Hope that covers your question.

Answer 2

Unless you signed a non disclosure agreement when you separated from active duty your clearance is still active. If your an active drilling reservist your clearance is still active. If you transferred to the IRR inactive ready reserve your clearance will be deactivated.

Remember it's not only having a clearance to classified information it's also the need to know.

Answer 3

They might just have you fill out a few forms and update information to renew it. It really shouldn't be that big of a deal as long as nothing has changed.

You might have to do an interview or something like that. If your next employer is the federal government or a contractor of the federal government then the information is still there and they can administratively re-new it or start the process. That information doesn't just go-away after you leave the service.

If you are working with private industry then they will have there own back ground check...but I seriously doubt they will be dealing with top secret national security stuff...Their background checks would be less intensive and deal with trade secrets and fraud checks. Civilians will also check for criminal background and drug use...but it is way different.  

Answer 4

Yes your clearance is currently inactive.  Your prospective employer will know what needs to be done and do it on your behalf, once you accept a position, if your clearance is required.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Whether or not your clearance is active or not depends on what job you are doing in the Navy reserves.  If your Navy position requires a clearance than your clearance is active at the level the job requires.

For example if your current position only requires a 'secret' clearance then you will posses an active secret clearance and an inactive top secret.

If you have and an active clearance within the past two years then reactivating your clearance is a five minute process for your security manager.  If it has been more than two years then they will have to investigate the time since your last active clearance before your clearance can be reactivated.

Even if you are past the two year mark you should apply anyway.  Companies have a great deal of difficulty recruiting people who can qualify for a clearance and are willing to be flexible for people who have had clearances in the past.