We're starting the get into the finer details of the security clearance process, which I don't really want to do. But I'll do a high level response. I said wha

We're starting the get into the finer details of the security clearance process, which I don't really want to do. But I'll do a high level response. I said what I said b/c I've personally been tasked with getting an entire infantry battalion (~900 infantryman + the support elements) security clearances for a deployment. The battalion had no need for security clearances, but the DoD had approved all unit expenditures related to the deployment, so the BC requested it b/c a few Joe's asked for it so they could improve their job outlooks post-military. This comes down to the difference between needs for a security clearance and needs to access classified material. Just about anyone can technically get a security clearance investigation. Having completed a security clearance investigation doesn't actually award you a clearance, it awards you the eligibility for a clearance. Example, if you get your clearance in 1st Battalion, after you pass the investigation you get read on and sign an NDA (SF-312), the Security Manager accessing a system called JPAS and with the click of a button "turns your clearance on" (for lack of a better phrase), that awards you a clearance. Now lets say you transfer from 1st battalion to 2nd battalion, when leaving 1st battalion you sign another NDA (SF-312) and acknowledge that you understand what you did with that unit that was classified (often times you did nothing...), the security manager then goes back into JPAS and turns your clearance off. When you arrive at 2nd battalion, their security manager has you sign a new NDA (SF-312) and goes into JPAS to turn your clearance on. So yes, and entire infantry battalion can have security clearances without serving in any classified environment. I didn't say everyone in the military has little to no professional skills, so please don't put those words in my mouth. The military is just the only organization that gives clearances to those with little or no professional skills. Justice/State/industry sure as hell don't.