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DLA Careers
Glossary
If selected for this position, you must complete a process called the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) prior to appointment. The SSBI is a background investigation that covers the last 7-10 years of your life or your 18th birthday (whichever is the shorter period). The investigation will cover where you have lived, schools attended, employment history, reference checks, military services record, foreign activities and travel, financial history (including a credit check), police records, and any drug or alcohol abuse. The investigation could take several months to complete, 9-12 or more in some instances. If complicated issues arise, it could take even longer. If you have filled out a security questionnaire before, it will help to have a copy to refer to. It will also help you complete the questionnaire if you verify all addresses and phone numbers of supervisors, references, former roommates, etc. You must provide accurate, complete, and honest answers to all questions on the security questionnaire. Incomplete information can delay the clearance. Falsifying or failing to provide required information can cause a denial or revocation of a security clearance. It is also prohibited by law and can be punished by fines and imprisonment. All information you provide will be verified during the investigation.
Once the investigation is complete, it is sent to a central adjudications facility. Adjudicators review all information to decide if you are eligible for a clearance. If no significant adverse information turns up, you will be granted a security clearance. However, if significant material adverse information is uncovered, you may be denied a clearance. A few examples of conditions that may be disqualifying include:
For more detailed information, see the Adjudicative Guidelines in the DoD 5200.2R Personnel Security Program Regulation.