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.

Obtaining Security Clearance

There is much discussion on the forum about whether or not counseling or taking medication for a mental illness would prevent you from obtaining or holding a security clearance.  Myths continue to permeate and cause those needing help to hesitate in seeking it out for fear of losing their eligibility.

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Security Clearance Denial

We are at the mid-year point and so far the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) Board heard 979 clearance denial appeals. Below is a breakdown by adjudicative category of the types of issues involved (Note – many cases had multiple issues): Adjudicative Guideline YTD Guideline A: Allegiance to

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Security Clearance Process

The Security Clearance, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council (PAC) recently released an update on progress for security clearance and background investigation reforms and the status on future measures already in the works. The presentation outlined the PAC’s major goals: Developing a Trusted Workforce; Modernizing Policies and Processes; Securing and

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Security Clearance Denial

As most of us clearance holders know, there are certain behaviors and situations to stay clear of lest we find ourselves called on the carpet and have our access eligibility yanked. Yet, despite getting an initial briefing and an annual refresher, some still play Russian Roulette and hope they aren’t

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