In addition, Derrick is a Flotilla Staff Officer and career counselor with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a branch of the Department of Transportation and as of March 2003, a part of the newly created Department of Homeland Security.

Until recently, Derrick was assistant director at Georgetown University's MBNA Career Education Center. There he served as a career counselor, an employment advisor and was responsible for the center's educational technology & marketing.

He also served in the United States Marine Corps in various capacities from combat operations in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm to career counseling, training and administration. Derrick holds a Master's of Education in Counseling and Student Development from Tuskegee University.

For this discussion, Derrick offers advice on getting a security clearance.

The transcript follows below.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Derrick Dortch: Good Morning, Good Morning! Today is a great day because we are alive but it is also a sad day as we begin military conflict overseas. As our Marines, Sailors, Coast Guardsman, Soldiers and Airmen begin to face battle let our prayers be with each and every one of them. These are difficult times that we face but we will get through them. Our threat level is again at Orange and we must remember to remain vigilant.

Well today we will have another great show. If you have any questions about security clearances, the government job search, careers in national and homeland security or anything related please ask. If I do not get to your question today please email me at dtd@diversagroup.com. We are also doing free career seminars for the public. To find out more info go to http://www.careersuccessgroup.com.

Well without any more delay on to the show. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

Arlington, Va: Someone during the last discussion commented that the security clearance process was racist. The EPSQ used by DOD only asks for name , social security number, DOB and POB and your weight, height, eye and hair color.
As an adjudicator I have no clue to what your race is. The process is as color blind as possible. We have never and will never keep any stats on clearance denial/revocations based on race.

A DOD adjudicator

Derrick Dortch: We are going to start off with a word from our friend from DOD. Thanks for the information my friend.

Forestville, Maryland: Most jobs want you to have a secruity clearance before you apply. How do you go about getting a security clearance on your own?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Forestville,

Thanks for your question. The only way a person can get a security clearance is through the government. This means that you have to be hired by the federal government or a government contractor and they have to sponsor you to get a clearance. There is no individual way you can get a clearance on your own.

Take care.

Washington DC: Do all security clearances require a drug screening?

Derrick Dortch: All jobs requiring a security clearance require drug screening. This is a major factor for the government and if you want to work for them you must make sure you stay off drugs and keep your life clean. Honestly, in this day and age many employers are now requiring employees or prospective employees to do drug screening. This may depend on the industry but keeping away from illegal substances is critical in becoming and staying employed and getting a government job.

Take care

Rockville, Md: What exactly is a security clearance and what is it good for? And how does one obtain it?

Derrick Dortch: A security clearance is a level of trust that the government provides you to do a certain job in the nations security interest. The clearance allows you to access and work with sensitive information that in the hands of our enemys could be used against us. This is why they are so critical. The only way you can get a clearance is by working for the government or a government contractor.

There are many benefits to having a security clearance. First, it increases your marketability in the government and private sector. Having a security clearance allows for you to work in positions in the government or the private sector with a government contractor that are not open to people without. Out of the population the number of people who have security clearances and can work with sensitive information or in sensitive positions is few. This means that you automatically double your worth and ability to get jobs in certain sectors with a security clearance.

Second, those with clearances and certain skills are being aggressively recruited. Many contractors are looking for people just leaving the military or government with there clearances and hiring them for substantially more than they would have received working in the government. This trend will only increase with the increase in spending by the government on intelligence, defense, national and homeland security.

Third, you are doing critical work for your country in a position of public and government trust. This is critical and the most important. If you are given a security clearance it is a indicator that you have been cleared to access very classified and sensitive information that protects our country. This is a very special position of honor and should never be betrayed or dishonored. The feeling of doing something good for your country is a feeling that cannot be paid through money but it is a one of the greatest feelings and benefits of all.

Take care.

Fort Washington, Md.: Is there any way to get a clearance updated without being employer sponsered? I go out of the reserves in 1996 and held a secret clearance at that time.

Derrick Dortch: The answer to your question is no. Security clearances for people leaving the military under honorable condition stay valid for 24 months. After 24 months you will have to go through a full security clearance process. If you got out in 1996 you will have to start the process over again and apply to a government agency or contractor. You may want to consider going back into the reserves. They need people more than ever and if you had clearance before that is a definite benefit. This what the Defense Security Service says about your question:

"For Federal or Military Service, the date you left prior federal or military service must have occurred less than 24 months ago. However, there must not have been any subsequent adverse information on you that would preclude you from being issued a new clearance. In addition, if your initial investigation or PR was not completed within the timeframe described in the answer to the previous question, an investigation may have to be requested before you can be granted another clearance."

Take care and I wish you the best.

Arlington, Va: Hello Derrick,

Sorry to see you left the Hilltop!

My situation is, when I came out of college 20 years ago I had a 2-day interview with NSA. I was totally thrown by the polygraph as a result of nerves, not by an effort to deceive. I was called later and asked to retake the polygraph. The official told me that I didn't "fail," that it was a good sign that I was invited to retake it, but I declined.

After many years of graduate school (on the Hilltop) I have acquired some impressive academic and language credentials, which are supposedly in demand in the intelligence field. But I have received no reply from applications I filed with the agencies.

Where the CIA, say, to get my application, would they crosscheck my name against some data base that would show my 20-year old experience as a failed polygraph? Am I forever marked by this?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,

Good to see a Hoya doing some great things as many do. It is a great place and like you I truly enjoyed it.

To your question. Since you did apply with the NSA you do have a file in the NSA vault of records that the CIA will access if you apply and are called for an interview. On your application it will ask if you have ever applied for another job with another agency. You will need to be honest and say the NSA. The good thing is that you did not fail the polygraph and you were not turned down for the position. If they asked you to retake the poly it just meant that they needed to clear up some things. This is not uncommon. You should be fine in regards to applying to CIA. The key is to be honest and that was 20 years ago. Email me at dtd@diversagroup.com and we will discuss it more.

Take care. Hoya Saxa

Washington D.C.: Hi Derrick: Do you know what the window for drug use is for most clearances? Do you have to be drug-free (in terms of marijuana use, at least) for a certain period of time?

Derrick Dortch: Hello D.C.

The window for most drug use is that you should not have used drugs (mainly marijuana) within the last 2 - 5 years. You should not have used marijuana more than 10 - 16 times (this depends on the agency). If you have used drugs harder than marijuana or have recently used drugs or have been a habitual user of drugs then the government will not look highly upon those factors.

Take care and I wish you the best. If you have more questions contact me on the message boards or by email.

Washington D.C.: About security clearance process was racist.

Memberships in Muslims organizations, married to a foreigner, being in jail, are all indications of being racism. Ethnic loyalty is something that is practiced somewhat.

Derrick Dortch: Thanks for you comment D.C.

Washington, DC: Good Morning Derrick! I work for a local staffing agency and clients are more frequently requesting individuals who have Security Clearances. How does one obtain a clearance? How many levels of clearances are available? How long does it take to get a clearance? Lastly, how many years are clearances valid? Thanks for responding!

Derrick Dortch: Hello D.C.

The only way to obtain a clearance is to get hired by a government agency or a government contractor. The best thing you can tell you clients is to apply for a position at an agency or contractor that has jobs open where they will clear you. It is probably the case that you are running into jobs that want people with clearances. This is something that holds many back but it is more cost effective for the company.

Clearance can take from 6 months to 2 years. I have known people in all categories. It all depends on the critical nature of the clearance, a persons background, backlog and many other factors.

Other answers to your questions are below and can be found at the Defense Security Service site below. Take care and if you have any other questions please email me at dtd@diversagroup.com.

Defense Security Service
http://www.dss.mil/psi/index.htm

Single-Scope Background Investigation - the basis for a Top Secret Clearance

Periodic Reinvestigations - the basis for continuing access to information at the following clearance levels:

* Top Secret
* Secret
* Confidential

National Agency Check, Local Agency Check (NAC/LAC) - the basis for a Secret or a Confidential Clearance

Special Investigative Inquiry - conducted when allegations are received about possible unsuitable conduct of a cleared individual

Trustworthiness Investigation - the basis for access to unclassified, but sensitive positions (e.g., on individuals who will handle money)

20005: You often include the Top 200 Contractor list compiled by Government Executive magazine as a reference during this chat, however, you provide the link to the 1999 list. We update this list annually. The most recent list can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.govexec.com/top200/02top/s2chart1.htm

Derrick Dortch: Thanks for the information to our readers and participants.

Alexandria, Va: Derrick-- I have similar experience to the earlier poster who had taken (and declined to retake) a polygraph exam. I too was thrown by the polygraph and ended the application process (for the CIA) after what I found to be a very uncomfortable session. How could this impact my ability to receive a secret (or higher) clearance?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Alexandria,

The security clearance process especially the polygraph can be very intense and stressful. I truly know how you feel. From what you are telling me in the your brief question I do not see how it would have a negative impact on you and your application. It appears that you have the qualifications to that they and other agencies are looking for so I would encourage you to reapply. From what I hear I think you will be fine. Just be truthful. If you have any more questions please email me.

Take care and I wish you the best.

Virginia: I have a security clearance for 5 years for two different agencies and I was never asked to do a drug tests.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Virginia,

That is interesting. I know the government promotes a drug free workplace and that it is not tolerated for any federal employee to take illegal drugs. The key is for anyone reading is that if you want a federal government job then you need and must stay clean and drug free.

Thanks for your comment.

Akron, Ohio: Could an immigrant like me land a gov't job with the present anti-terror hysteria? Graduate student in Business

Derrick Dortch: Akron, Ohio,

Thanks for your question. If you are a immigrant who becomes a naturalized citizen then you can land a government job. If your status is one that you have a visa or green card you will not be eligible for a government job except on very exceptional circumstances. I encourage you to get your citizenship if you would like to work for the U.S. government. Take care and thanks for your question.

Karl - Maryland: It is possible to apply for some type of clearance just for the sake of having it ?
I mean, to obtain one so you can be more valuable when looking for a job.

Thanks

Karl

Derrick Dortch: Hi Karl,

The quick answer is no. You can't have a clearance just to be having it while you look for a job. You will have to be employed by a government agency or contractor in order to have a clearance process started and a clearance issued.

Take care

Temple Hills Md: My security clearance is setting in judication and still have not been assigned to anyone as of last week. I was informed that my employer needs to submit a compeling need form to speed up the process,
however they are not willing to do that, is there another way that I could make this happen, I've been out of work since November because of the lack of a clearance. There are many jobs in the IT field but a clearance is required and those of us from corperate america would not already have one. What to do?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Temple Hills,

Unfortunately your new employer is not helping you in this situation. The best thing you can do is to keep a level of pressure and follow-up on your new employer about the clearance. There is no work around in this situation. Only the employer can talk to the adjudicators and ask them to speed up the process. If this is not done you are on hold. The only thing I can recommend is to possibly get a temporary job or possibly do some freelancing until this situation is made a priority. Continue to call and ask about your process. Befriend the security officer (the person who handles your clearance) at your job. People will help you if they are friends with you or think highly of you. I hope this helps. Take care.

Derrick Dortch: PLACES TO FIND JOBS IN INTELLIGENCE, DEFENSE, NATIONAL & HOMELAND SECURITY

Intelligence Careers
www.intelligencecareers.com

Intelligence Community
www.intelligence.gov

USAJOBS
www.usajobs.opm.gov


GovCon (Government Contractors Site)
http://www.govcon.com/

Top 100 Defense Contractors (U.S. Government)
http://www.govexec.com/top200/topdod.htm

Top 200 Federal Government Contractors (Old List but good information)
http://www.govexec.com/features/99top/99topmag.htm

Top Federal Government Contractors
http://www.govexec.com/top200/2000top/

Government Contractor Information (About.com - Scroll down)
http://government.about.com/cs/contractors/

Top 50 Military Contractors (U.S. Government)
http://www.fas.org/man/company/top.htm

Contractors to the Intelligence Community (U.S. Government)
http://www.fas.org/irp/contract/

Top American Defense Contractors
http://www.fas.org/asmp/profiles/deffirm.html

Arlington, Va.: A clearance casts money and time. Therefore individuals cant' apply for clearance. DOD strongly monitors contractors to ensure that they aren't stockpiling clearances for future work etc."Need to Know" also plays a role. If you dont need to know you dont need a clearance. If it means you cant compete for a job to bad. NAtional Security comes first
A DOD adjudicator

Derrick Dortch: Thanks for the information.

Md.: If I submit my resume to monster.com while listing my security clearances, do you think gov. and private contractors will notice? How can I get noticed?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Maryland,

You can submit your resume on monster with you clearance level but there is a way to do it properly. Contractors will notice because they are looking for people with clearances. There are may ways to get noticed in your field. One is to begin going to career fairs for people with clearances. The second is to being getting on job search engines that target people with your qualifications. Two sites that I recommend are:

Intelligence Careers
http://www.intelligencecareers.com

ClearanceJobs
http://www.clearancejobs.com

These are both good places to start searching and finding out what career fairs and related events are going on. Contact me and I will let you know about listing your clearances.

Take care.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. D: As a HR type at a major USG agency who's been dealing with clearances for a long time, let me note this. For anyone undergoing an investigation for a clearance - be absolutely sure the investigating agency has your CURRENT ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER, and, if you move a lot, be sure there's a "primary" phone number and address (perhaps your parents). Many, many clearances are slowed up by the investigator not having up to date information.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Herndon,

Thanks for the information. Feel free to contribute anytime.

washingtonpost.com: Mr. Dortch will continue answering questions until 12:30pm today!

maryland: Mr Dortch,
I may know the answer to this, but just wanted confirmation. Past history - depression(7yrs ago), meds(not anymore -- good!), misc fireworks charge -- I did apply for nsa, however failed three times -- Each time I told the exact truth to all questions by examiner. I did receive a letter from nsa regarding not passing, however could I appeal? is it worth it?

Derrick Dortch: Maryland,

Contact me by email about your situation. We will discuss it more then. dtd@diversagroup.com

Bethesda, Md.: Good Morning,

Okay, forgive me for sounding foolish, but when I entered the Gov't a few years ago, they did a 5 month background check. Would that be considered a security clearance? I always thought it was to some extent, so please clear this up for me. Thank you.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Bethesda,

These are the various checks done by the government. There are a few more depending on the agency but these are the basics. From what you are telling me you may have a position that requires you to access confidential information but it does not sound like you have a secret or top secret security clearance. You would definitely know if you did. Check with your agencies HR department or Security Officer (person who handles clearances) and ask them what your clearance level is. Take care.

Single-Scope Background Investigation - the basis for a Top Secret Clearance

Periodic Reinvestigations - the basis for continuing access to information at the following clearance levels:

* Top Secret
* Secret
* Confidential

National Agency Check, Local Agency Check (NAC/LAC) - the basis for a Secret or a Confidential Clearance

Special Investigative Inquiry - conducted when allegations are received about possible unsuitable conduct of a cleared individual

Trustworthiness Investigation - the basis for access to unclassified, but sensitive positions (e.g., on individuals who will handle money)

D.C.: Specifically what skills are the government/contractors looking for besides just people with clearances? I have a current top secret, SBI, and polygraph screening, but want to know what opportunities exist with this clearance.

Derrick Dortch: Hello D.C.

Skills being sought are following:

Computer Science, Informational Technology
Computer Programming, Computer & Network Security
Language
Military Science, Research, History, Analysis
Engineering
Security (Physical security, Personnel Security, Security Assessment)
Imagery
Architecture
Leadership
Military background
International Affairs/Political science studies
Middle East, African Studies (Masters and Ph.D level)
Psychology
Robotics
Project Management

This is a small list of the skills being sought.

Springfield, Missouri: My husband and I are moving to the area in a few months. He already has a position lined up. I have been looking on the internet some. I would like to find a job with the federal government but I do not have a security clearance or "grade" that some positions are asking for. How and where do you suggest going to apply for these? Where do you suggest looking for a job on line, since that seems to be my only option at this time? Thank you for your suggestions.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Springfield.

Thanks for stopping by the show. I am going to give you a signifcant amount of information and links on finding a federal job. This will get you started on your search. As you get started make sure you contact me on the WashingtonJobs message boards or via email and I can be of more assistance. Take care and we look forward to having you in the area.

USA JOBS
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
http://www.govexec.com/jobs/

FEDERAL JOBS NET
http://federaljobs.net/

FEDERAL JOBS CENTRAL
http://www.fedjobs.com/

FEDERAL JOBS DIGEST
http://www.jobsfed.com/

FEDERAL JOB SEARCH & EMAIL DELIVERY SYSTEM
http://www.hrsjobs.com/

FEDERAL JOB SEARCH
http://www.federaljobsearch.com/

ALL FEDERAL JOBS
http://www.allfederaljobs.com/

FEDERAL JOB ZONE
http://www.federaljobszone.com/

FEDERAL JOBS.com
http://www.federaljobs.com/

GOVJOBS
http://www.govjobs.com/

GOVTJOBS
http://www.govtjobs.com/

GovCon (Government Contractors Site)
http://www.govcon.com/

Top 100 Defense Contractors (U.S. Government)
http://www.govexec.com/top200/topdod.htm

Top 200 Federal Government Contractors (Old List but good information)
http://www.govexec.com/features/99top/99topmag.htm

Top Federal Government Contractors
http://www.govexec.com/top200/2000top/

Government Contractor Information (About.com - Scroll down)
http://government.about.com/cs/contractors/

Top 50 Military Contractors (U.S. Government)
http://www.fas.org/man/company/top.htm

Contractors to the Intelligence Community (U.S. Government)
http://www.fas.org/irp/contract/

Top American Defense Contractors
http://www.fas.org/asmp/profiles/deffirm.html


Intelligence Careers
www.intelligencecareers.com

Intelligence Community
www.intelligence.gov

Alexandria, Va.: What does a security clearance cover? Some company's ask for a security clearance and it consist of a credit check,and some are not.

Derrick Dortch: Hello Gaithersburg,

The security clearance will cover your background, drug use, mental health, financial situation, travel history, contacts, employment history, your integrity and many factors. To find out more I would suggest you to go the Adjudication Desk Reference at this link http://www.dss.mil/nf/adr/

As it relates to credit history. Here you go.

The government will check all three major credit bureaus during a security clearance process. I would suggest that you go to one of the free credit sites and pay for your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies. Government agencies will also go beyond your credit reports and look at court records and other sources to get a sense of our credit history.

Credit and financial management are very important to the government especially in positions of public trust that require security clearances. Just to give you an understanding for the reason this is what the Adjudication Desk Reference says about the security relevance concerning financial matters.

"The Adjudicative Guidelines identify two very different types of security concerns relating to finances -- significant unpaid debts and unexplained affluence.

Overdue debts increase temptation to commit illegal or unethical acts as a means of gaining funds to meet financial obligations. Many persons encounter financial problems through no fault of their own. For others, financial problems appear to be part of a general tendency toward carelessness and irresponsibility that is a security concern. From a security perspective, the cause of debt and how one deals with financial obligations are more important than the amount of debt.

It is important to remember that many financially motivated crimes are committed out of simple greed, not need, and that most people with financial difficulties are not inclined to commit illegal acts at all. Financial need is the norm for a large segment of the population."

Areas of concern for the government that can be disqualifying factors are
Amount of Debt
Attitude Toward Debts
Cause of Debts
Illegal Financial Practices

Now with that being said if you have a financial situation because of unemployment or other factors these can be considered mitigating factors that can used to give you a chance to have a security clearance. These mitigators are:

Debts being not recent
Isolated incidents
Indebtedness beyond your control
Receiving credit counseling
Good faith efforts are made to pay all debts

To find out more on this subject I would suggest you read the Adjudication Desk Reference at this link:

http://www.dss.mil/nf/adr/finance/finanF.htm

Also take a look at the entire reference for other questions you have on the process.

http://www.dss.mil/nf/adr/index.htm

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions contact me on the WashingtonJobs message boards or by email. Take care.

Perkiomenville, Penn: I will be moving to the DC area this summer. I notice companies ask for established security clearance. Is this something that can be done personally? And how would one go about getting clearance.

Derrick Dortch: Hi Perkiomenville, PA

Thanks for your question. You will find the answer to your question in the transcript above. You will also find link to help you start applying of jobs. I hope this helps. Take care.

Virginia: The Post mentioned that the OPM and GAo are investigating agencies with no veteran's preference program. The CIA is one of them as it is indicated on their employment FAQ site. Why are they doing that?

Derrick Dortch: I have to read the article. CIA and agencies like it have been designated and created as independent agencies. This means that they can do certain things that other agencies can not do in terms of hiring and other activities. I will check out the article and the situation and provide feedback on our next show in April.

Take care.

Cape Town, South Africa: My name is Steve, I grew up in the small town called Newcastle in the KwaZulu/Natal.I alwayz had love of doing Mechanical Engineering studies that why I travelled 1400 km to come and study in Cape Town at Peninsula Technikon, so if I want to further my studies in the United States of America and do something that I will be proud of concernig Engineering what advice will give me that particular ambition of myne.Steve South Africa

Derrick Dortch: Steve,

Thanks for your question all the way from South Africa. I want to give you some advice but time is limited. Please email me at dtd@diversagroup.com and we will talk. Take care and thanks for your question all the way from South Africa.

Rockville, Md.: First of all, thank you so much for your answer to my previous question.

I have one more question for you. -- I am currently working for a government contractor, and am placed inside a government building to work with government employees. This will last as long as our contract gets renewed every year. When I was first hired, I was never offered to get a clearance, but I'd like to get one while I'm here. How should I go about this? Is it okay to just ask my boss to help me get the clearance? What would be the correct process? Or is this just impossible?

Derrick Dortch: Hello Rockville,

My time is up. Contact me on the WashingtonJobs message boards or by email at dtd@diversagroup.com and I will give you an answer.

Take care and talk to you soon.

Derrick Dortch: Well that is it for me today. Thanks for your questions and for stopping by the show. We will be back in April and let us pray that the next time we meet there will be peace on earth. Till then, please take care and I wish you the best in all your endeavors.

Have an outstanding day and weekend!

Derrick T. Dortch

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