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 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

Read More
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

Read More
Career Advice

In 2017, the Defense Security Service, predecessor to the current Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), issued a Notice to Contractors Cleared Under the NISP on Inadvertent Exposure to Classified in the Public Domain which provided guidance prohibiting cleared personnel from specifically searching for, downloading, or reading classified material online.

Read More
Security Clearance Denial

Anyone who has access to information involving criminal investigations is beholden to protect it, just as they would be required to if it was classified. In a recent Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) case, the applicant was initially denied eligibility due to criminal and personal conduct concerns that

Read More