Do They Call References for Secret Clearance?

Yes, references are absolutely contacted during the process of obtaining a secret clearance. It’s a crucial part of the background investigation designed to assess your trustworthiness, reliability, and overall suitability for handling classified information. These aren’t just cursory calls; they’re detailed inquiries aimed at uncovering any potential red flags that might compromise national security.

The Reference Check: A Deep Dive

Getting a security clearance, especially a secret one, isn’t a simple matter of filling out a form and hoping for the best. The government needs to be absolutely certain that you’re a trustworthy individual. This is where reference checks come in.

Why References Matter

References are considered a valuable source of information for several key reasons:

• Corroboration of Information: Investigators use references to verify the information you’ve provided on your security clearance application (SF86). Discrepancies between your statements and what your references say can raise concerns.
• Character Assessment: References provide insights into your character, integrity, and reliability. They can speak to your personal habits, financial responsibility, and any potential vulnerabilities to coercion or blackmail.
• Identification of Potential Issues: References may be aware of issues in your background that you haven’t disclosed or that you may not even be aware of. This could include past substance abuse, mental health concerns, or involvement in questionable activities.
• Comprehensive Picture: By speaking to multiple references from different areas of your life (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, neighbors), investigators can develop a comprehensive picture of who you are as a person.

Who Do They Contact?

The investigators will typically contact the references listed on your SF86 form. This includes:

• Immediate Family: Spouses, parents, siblings, and other close family members.
• Friends: Individuals you consider to be close friends.
• Coworkers: Current and former coworkers, supervisors, and colleagues.
• Neighbors: Current and former neighbors.
• Educators: Professors, teachers, and academic advisors (especially for recent graduates).

Essentially, they’ll contact anyone who knows you well enough to provide relevant information about your character and background. Don’t be surprised if they also contact people you didn’t list if they believe those individuals might have valuable insights.

What Do They Ask?

The questions asked during reference checks are designed to probe various aspects of your life and character. Expect questions like:

• How long have you known the applicant?
• How would you describe their character?
• Are they trustworthy and reliable?
• Are you aware of any financial problems, substance abuse issues, or mental health concerns?
• Have they ever engaged in any illegal or unethical activities?
• Are they susceptible to coercion or blackmail?
• Do you have any reason to believe they would be a security risk?

The specific questions may vary depending on the type of clearance being sought and the information provided on your application. However, the underlying goal is always the same: to assess your suitability for handling classified information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about reference checks during the security clearance process:

1. Can I choose who they contact as references?

Yes and no. You provide a list of references on your SF86, and those are the primary individuals investigators will contact. However, investigators have the discretion to contact other individuals who may have relevant information, even if you didn’t list them. This is especially true if your listed references are unable to provide a complete or satisfactory picture of your background.

2. What happens if my references don’t respond?

Investigators will typically make multiple attempts to contact your references. If they are unable to reach a reference after repeated attempts, they may ask you to provide additional references or seek information from other sources. A non-responsive reference could potentially delay the clearance process.

3. What if I don’t have contact with some of the people I listed on my SF86?

It’s important to be honest about your relationships with the individuals you list as references. If you haven’t had contact with someone in a long time, indicate that on your SF86. The investigator will likely consider this when evaluating the information provided by that reference. Providing honest and accurate information is crucial.

4. Can my references hurt my chances of getting a clearance?

Yes, potentially. Negative information provided by your references, such as concerns about your trustworthiness, financial stability, or past behavior, can negatively impact your chances of obtaining a clearance. However, the weight given to this information will depend on the nature of the concerns, the credibility of the reference, and the overall context of your background.

5. Will I know what my references said about me?

Generally, no. The information provided by your references is considered confidential. You will not typically be given access to their statements or the specific questions they were asked. The government has privacy obligations to the people they interview.

6. What if I have a falling out with a reference after I submit my SF86?

Inform the security officer or investigator as soon as possible. Explain the situation and provide any relevant details. They may need to contact additional references or adjust their investigation accordingly. Transparency is key in these situations.

7. Do they call references from previous jobs, even if it was a long time ago?

Yes, they can. The length of time since your employment can affect the weight given to the reference’s information, but past employment is still relevant. Especially if the previous employment involved sensitive information or responsibilities.

8. Is it better to list only close friends and family as references?

No. It’s better to provide a diverse range of references, including family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. This allows investigators to get a more well-rounded perspective of your character and background. Avoid listing only individuals who are likely to provide positive feedback; a balanced approach is more credible.

9. What if my reference has a criminal record?

The fact that a reference has a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a clearance. However, it may raise concerns about the reference’s credibility and potential bias. Investigators will consider the nature of the crime, the length of time since it occurred, and the overall trustworthiness of the reference when evaluating the information provided.

10. How far back do they go when checking references?

The scope of the investigation depends on the type of clearance and the information provided on your SF86. Generally, they will focus on the past 7-10 years, but they may go further back if there are specific concerns or issues that warrant further investigation.

11. What should I tell my references to expect?

Inform your references that they may be contacted by a government investigator as part of your security clearance process. Explain that they will be asked questions about your character, trustworthiness, and background. Encourage them to be honest and provide accurate information to the best of their knowledge.

12. Can I get a clearance if my references don’t know about my past mistakes?

It’s crucial to be honest and disclose any past mistakes or issues on your SF86. The fact that your references may not be aware of these issues does not excuse you from disclosing them. Attempting to conceal information can be viewed as a lack of candor and may jeopardize your chances of getting a clearance. It is always better to proactively address potential concerns than to have them discovered during the investigation.

In conclusion, reference checks are a critical component of the secret clearance process. By understanding the process and preparing accordingly, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember, honesty, transparency, and thorough preparation are your best assets when navigating the security clearance process.