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

A recent Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Hearing and Appeals case caught my eye because it involved a forcible rape criminal charge that was eventually dismissed, however, the applicant was still denied eligibility for a security clearance. Why was the applicant denied if the criminal charges were dismissed? The

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Security Clearance Denial

It is well established that a history of financial issues and delinquent debt is the leading cause of security clearance eligibility denials. Central to the adjudicative guidelines for financial considerations is the principle that an individual’s failure to live within their means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate

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Security Clearance Process

Security clearance applicants are required to complete the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) and submit it to initiate the necessary background investigation. This process can be lengthy, depending on factors such as your age, the number of jobs you have held, where you have lived, and additional details related

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Security Clearance Denial

In a recent Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals case the applicant, a former intelligence agency government employee, was denied security clearance eligibility due to foreign influence (China) and personal conduct concerns. Here are the highlights of the hearing. The applicant was born in China and became a naturalized U.S.

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