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 transitioned into the civilian workforce as a contractor background investigator for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before entering civil service as a Security Specialist in 2009.

Security Clearance Process

We have all read the countless stories posted on this blog site about the interminably lengthy process that some have gone through in processing their background investigations and getting their Top-Secret (TS) clearance abd Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access process. Sometimes this process even involves polygraphs. Want to know how

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Obtaining Security Clearance

A recent Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Hearing and Appeals case involved a DOE contractor who had failed to file his federal and state tax returns from 2017 to 2022. He was initially denied security clearance eligibility based on financial concerns and subsequently appealed the decision. Here are the highlights of

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Security Clearance Process

During a security clearance denial appeal hearing the applicant is allowed to question witnesses, both their own and the Department counsel’s. Prehearing guidance will be provided regarding procedures. The Administrative Judge does not swear in applicants or other witnesses but does remind all parties of the fact it is a criminal offense

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Career Advice

The United States Intelligence Community agencies and other associated agencies carry out intelligence-related tasks for the United States. Use the links below to peruse each agency’s website for information on their mission and careers with that specific agency, including both government and industry opportunities.

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