Security Clearance Careers Podcast

Jamie Jones Miller, CEO and Regional Dean of Northeastern University Arlington joined us on the latest episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, ClearedCast. With a rich background in the intelligence community and defense sector, Jamie is now channeling her expertise to cultivate the next generation of national security professionals. Browse programs at Northeastern University Arlington.Partner with Northeastern University Arlington.

Security clearance holders have self reporting requirements, but they also have requirements to report issues about their coworkers or fellow security clearance holders. Some think that sounds like the government getting into office gossip. Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer discuss the self reporting requirements and why they're a crucial part of the security clearance process.

The federal hiring process can be discouraging for all parties. Applicants often struggle with the black hole and long delays. Hiring managers have to deal with a host of regulatory and policy requirements that affect the hiring process. Katherine Kuzminski, Deputy Director of Studies and Program Director, Military, Veterans & Society at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), joins the show to discuss the civilian job search process and a 2023 report, The Future of National Security for Civilians.  

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental health are critical issues that affect many veterans and the veteran suicide rate. The experiences and environments faced during military service can lead to enduring psychological impacts that require attention and care.Greg VanDyne is a former Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D) who served with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He co-founded the Vetrepreneur Collective which is a community that takes the skills the military diligently taught veterans and gives a step-by-step guide to start your own company through Mentorship, coaching, guidance, and advice all through a like minded veteran community. Greg believes “the military should be throwing the kitchen sink at reducing soldier suicide”, making Suicide Safety Plans an annual requirement for the military retirement and transition process. He joins the Security Clearance Careers Podcast to discuss his own transition and why destigmatizing mental health is so important to him.PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For veterans, these events may include combat, military sexual trauma, or other life-threatening situations. Symptoms of PTSD can include:Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event.Avoidance: Steering clear of places, activities, or people that remind them of the trauma.Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, or difficulty maintaining close relationships.Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, having trouble sleeping, or experiencing irritability and anger.Addressing mental health is vital for veterans to lead fulfilling lives post-service. Mental health care can involve:Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective treatments for PTSD.Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms.Support Groups: Connecting with peers who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and a sense of community.Self-Care: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation can improve overall well-being.Veterans may face unique challenges in seeking mental health care:Stigma: There can be a stigma associated with seeking help, which may prevent veterans from accessing necessary services.Access to Care: Navigating the VA healthcare system or finding mental health professionals who understand military culture can be difficult.Transition to Civilian Life: Adjusting to civilian life can be stressful and may exacerbate mental health issues.Supporting veterans in their mental health journey involves:Awareness and Education: Promoting understanding of PTSD and mental health issues among the public and within the veteran community.Access to Resources: Ensuring veterans have information on and access to mental health services, both through the VA and private providers.Community Support: Encouraging community programs and initiatives that support veterans and their families.

classified information or restricted areas.We test our PR and Partnerships Manager, Phoebe Wells, on everything security clearances. Here are some interesting facts about security clearances:Levels of Clearance: There are several levels of security clearance, with the most common being Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. Each level requires a different depth of background investigation.Background Checks: To obtain a security clearance, individuals must undergo a rigorous background check that includes personal interviews, credit checks, and scrutiny of personal relationships and foreign contacts.Periodic Reinvestigation: Security clearances are not permanent. They require periodic reinvestigation to ensure that the individual still meets the necessary criteria. For example, Top Secret clearances typically need to be reinvestigated every five years.Need-to-Know Basis: Even with a security clearance, individuals are only allowed access to the specific information necessary for their job duties. This is known as the "need-to-know" principle.Adjudicative Guidelines: The process of granting a security clearance is guided by specific criteria, including allegiance to the country, foreign influence, financial considerations, alcohol and drug use, criminal conduct, and emotional, mental, and personality conditions.Polygraph Examinations: For certain high-level clearances, such as those required for intelligence agencies, candidates may be subjected to polygraph (lie detector) tests to verify the truthfulness of their statements.Impact of Social Media: In recent years, social media activity has become an important factor in security clearance investigations. Investigators may review posts, comments, and affiliations as part of the background check.Revocation of Clearance: Security clearances can be revoked if an individual no longer meets the criteria. This can happen due to changes in behavior, criminal activity, or other factors that raise concerns about trustworthiness and reliability.Job Requirement: Many government jobs and positions with defense contractors require security clearances. These clearances are essential for roles that involve handling sensitive information related to national security.Global Perspective: While security clearance procedures are most commonly associated with the United States, other countries have their own systems for granting access to classified information. Each country has its own standards and procedures for vetting individuals.Understanding the importance and complexity of security clearances helps highlight the critical role they play in protecting national security and sensitive information.

Danny Vera and Kevin McCann join us on the latest episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, ClearedCast to share their experiences working as SkillBridge interns at FTI.Learn more about FTI here and explore open roles here.

All topics were the top read news headlines over the last month (are you suprised?). From our flying squirrels in the race for space, side hustles and security protocols for uber journeys, ingesting the magic mushies at the encouragement of your benefits providers, and how to make your military move a seamless one. Sr. Editor Jill Hamilton and Content Marketing Manager Katie Helbling talk about all the implications.This podcast is brought to you by the global defense team at Booz Allen.From the Rocky Mountains to the bright lights of Japan, imagine yourself delivering technologies at the heart of defense missions at home or abroad. If you want to accelerate your career, explore global defense jobs at BoozAllen.com/DefenseCareers.

Recruiting and talent management in the federal government space remains a hot topic. Fortunately, a number of organizations are working alongside the federal government to enhance and improve the onboarding process and overall workplace culture. Michelle Amante, vice president, federal workforce solutions at Partnership for Public Service joins the podcast to share more about the many things her organization does. The Partnership for Public Service offers key solutions in federal talent management, leadership development and workforce strategy.

Employer branding is an essential strategy for companies looking to attract and retain top talent. It involves creating a positive perception of the company as an employer of choice.Recruiters can contribute to an employer's brand by acting as ambassadors for the company and helping candidates envision a future within the organization. This can help align candidate expectations with the company's culture and ethos, which can lead to better cultural fit and long-term retention. A strong employer brand can also help attract quality candidates, reduce recruitment costs, and instill a sense of trust and reliability.Is Your Website Just Another Sleepy GovCon?The Security Clearance Careers Podcast interviews US military veteran (+ mil spouse), ex-AWS and current Metrostar technical recruiter, Stephanie Holman, on what works for social media, podcasts, live video, employee advocacy, and more.