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> In wartime, the number of young, fresh-out-of-school analysts granted security clearances skyrockets as demand for intelligence increases exponentially. The
by niels_olson 16y ago
> In wartime, the number of young, fresh-out-of-school analysts granted security clearances skyrockets as demand for intelligence increases exponentially.
The rest of the article is trivial details, but this is a huge, gapping, recurring problem. As a former SIPRNet user, this always struck me as the most bizarre situation: why are we giving higher-level access to 18 year-olds than, often, mid-grade officers? Sure, we got whatever tactical intel we needed, but where's the sanity check on the other side of the transaction?
My personal thought is that the crypto ratings should start at E-5 (mid-grade enlisted), and only be open to folks cross-rating from another specialty (welder, mess cook, infantry, whatever) who have proven a certain degree of loyalty over time. Any psychiatric types care to weigh in?
- fname 16y agoAgreed. Though, you have to remember that the method used to determine eligibility for clearance relies heavily on past criminal activities, past drug use and past/current financial activities. All of which should be very minimal for an 18 year old fresh out of boot.
- rdl 16y agoPlus, you're not even allowed to ask questions about any activities before he turned 18. This is insane. I think the DoD needs to create more systems where people can worth with classified data without having wholesale access to classified data. A lot of those controls go away during war, and a lot of internal need to know controls also prevent "synergy" or "serendipity" etc., so it's always a compromise.
- LiveTheDream 16y agoOTOH, 18-year olds are not renowned for their sound judgement.