Author Archive

Marko Hakamaa

Marko Hakamaa served in various military police positions with the United States Army worldwide for 22 years before retiring in 2006 as a Master Sergeant. Afterwards, he has worked as a contractor background investigator, a government industrial and personnel security specialist, and as a national security and public trust background investigation adjudicator.

Security Clearance Denial

Two recent Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) cases highlight the role foreign influence concerns can play in security clearance eligibility determinations. Against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts involving Iran, Lebanon, and Ukraine, as well as increased attention to immigration enforcement and foreign national relationships, foreign

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Obtaining Security ClearanceSecurity Clearance DenialSecurity Clearance Process

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its mission is to process and vet applications for foreign nationals who want to live, work, or study in the United States. Findings published in a recent Office of the Inspector General

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Security Clearance Process

In the past, recent use of marijuana or other THC products was a serious security concern for clearance applicants. In current times, a more holistic view is taken when evaluating a security clearance applicant with recent drug use. A recent Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) case involving a

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Security Clearance Process

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) conducts reimbursable suitability or security investigations (RSIs) to address gaps in background investigations. These may involve missing coverage of a required item, clarification of existing information, or further review of specific details. RSIs are also used for clearance upgrades and as part of

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