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

In total, 37 states have now legalized medical or recreational marijuana use and others have changed laws to decriminalize use or possession. However, under federal law, security clearance applicants and holders must still refrain from any use involving cannabis. This also applies to those who are thinking about investing in stocks or

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Security Clearance Process

The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed was April 18, 2022 for most taxpayers. Taxpayers granted an extension will have until October 17, 2022 to file. It is well established that financial issues are the number one reason for a security clearance denial.

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Security Clearance Denial

Going to work slightly drunk from the previous night is one thing, but it is not as egregious as drinking alcohol while on the job. A DoD contractor was denied clearance eligibility due to alcohol abuse and psychological conditions. He subsequently appealed to the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals

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Security Clearance Denial

A contractor was recently denied eligibility for a security clearance by the DoD CAF based on financial issues and personal conduct. He subsequently appealed to the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals. Here are the highlights of the case: The DoD contractor’s history of financial issues first started in 2007 when he

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