Khan Academy Free Essays

With the Khan-Academy systematics, I feel that it is really an apparatus that enables numerous others to such as myself who might be going to math classes in school. As a youngster in grade school, the Internet program helped me begin filling the â€Å"Swiss cheese† holes Khan discussed. The â€Å"Swiss cheese† holes, are the things individuals didn’t learn while they were in math classes, where the educator just didn't broadly expound of clarifying. We will compose a custom paper test on Khan Academy or on the other hand any comparative subject just for you Request Now The manner in which the holes started to be filled, was that it really provoked me to a more prominent potential that I thought couldn't be accomplished. Truth be told numerous others in my group regarded the program as a game positively, as on the Internet program one successes an overflowing measure of prizes where we used to boast to one another on. To win prizes they may comprise of noting a particular measure of inquiries or getting relentless at working with Khan-Academy. Something the program has unquestionably made up is the grievous situation in which unfit instructors put there understudies into. The math educators as a rule don't support enough or show just a single way, and this is the full explanation on why some understudy really wind up bombing their classes. With Khan-Academy some how the understudy that wound up bombing their math classes, presently have grades like the outwardly hindered talented ones, which additionally may show how inadequately the educators may have shown their understudies. Another valid statement Khan made happen to be the connections that began to make place among the understudy of classes, in which the ones that didn't comprehend the exercises could know get educated by different understudies that may have had a full comprehension of whatever the issue or issues were. A way the Khan-Academy is guaranteeing that the assistance that is given is exact, is that inside the program itself it has a way a keeping track who is exceeding expectations, and who may not be. Whichever way one may take the program, it benefits everybody in a different measure of ways and has been a significant assistance in classes across America by helping understudy who didn't exceed expectations in math class previously. Step by step instructions to refer to Khan Academy, Essay models

Frankenstein (1994)

Frankenstein (1994) Presentation Frankenstein (likewise alluded to as Mary Shelleys Frankenstein) is a blood and gore movie coordinated by Kenneth Branagh in 1994 and embraced from a book by Mary Shelly bearing a comparable title. In the film, a youthful specialist named Victor Frankenstein (Kenneth Branagh) leaves from his local place where there is Geneva to be conceded at a clinical school (IMDB, para. 2).Advertising We will compose a custom exposition test on Frankenstein (1994) explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More At the school, he considers and gets proficient in human life structures and in science. The youthful understudy has consistently been intrigued with death and this leads him to start a venture to make life. Victor plans an animal with the body portions of convicts and with the mind of a brilliant researcher. The ‘monster’ (Robert de Niro) wakes up and is tossed into the general public. The beast at that point gets a handle on that the general public will ne ver acknowledge him and looks for retribution on all people that Victor cherishes. As the film reaches a conclusion, Victor is without anyone else as the entirety of his relatives have been slaughtered. Victor at that point makes an accomplice for the animal to cherish, in any case, because of the torment he is feeling, he selects to utilize Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) and revives her for his own advantage. Inevitably, Elizabeth slaughters herself since Victor and the beast are battling about her. As the film reaches a conclusion, Victor passes on a boat while the beast he made is discovered crying not without a fight. Victor’s memorial service function is hindered when the ice encompassing the boat begins to break. The animal takes a consuming light and sets himself and his dead maker land. Basic Analysis Despite having a fine beginning, Frankenstein neglects to very fall off and doesn't make a decent film for an assortment of reasons. First is the films’ length, at marginally over two hours, the film feels somewhat broadened. It is longwinded and the speed drops in certain scenes. Some portion of the issue originates from the film’s nature. Arrangements for Frankenstein’s excursion to Vienna, his experience with Clerval, his noncompliance to the clinical staff at the school, and his underlying experimentations have all been attempted previously. The crowd knows where Victor is made a beeline for and Branagh offers no convincing twists to the storyline. This recognition comes from the way that various releases of the film have been delivered previously. In any case, the film turns out to be all the more fascinating in the subsequent half. Here, Branagh utilizes components from the book that have not been remembered for past forms of the film. For example, the Arctic landscape, the unobtrusive truth that the animal can chat in human voice and is shrewd and ready to encounter torment, the arrangement of occasions identified with William’s demise and the creature’s set-up of Justine are on the whole elite to the film, making for a fascinating watch. Be that as it may, for somebody who has not viewed past renditions of the film nor perused Shelley’s book, the film makes for an intriguing watch with regards to whole.Advertising Looking for paper on workmanship and structure? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another awful part of the film is the fast progression of scenes, taking into account that the film runs for over two hours. Only fifteen minutes into the film, 3 years have just slipped by. A group of people may think that its difficult to stay aware of the story, and might lose focus halfway to the end. Once more, the creator needs to perceive that catastrophe in film is best when it is permitted to grow gradually. The scenes in Branagh’s rendition of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein move so quick that various nuances vanish en route. This gives the film an energizing and once in a while disorganized (especially in the principal half-hour) bit of work that, while certainly engaging, is shy of the profundity that a work of this greatness requires. Be that as it may, the film can be commended on various angles, particularly that of the flawless landscape, predominant acting of certain characters, particularly Elizabeth and Robert de Niro, and innovativeness. Starting with one scene then onto the next, the maker does pleasant completing contacts and entrancing varieties that are effectively perceptible. It is energizing, for example, to watch Frankenstein play Ben Franklin and clasp hands with his relatives while resting! What's more, in another scene, when Dr. Frankenstein pays a birthing specialist to gather amniotic liquid and fill what looks like a chamber, our advantage is held however much as could be expected. There are additionally some quality and cooperative scenes, for example, when the special ist slips into the court to chop down a man who was hanged with the aim of utilizing him as a ‘raw material.’ As Frankenstein cuts the rope and the dormant body tumbles to the ground, there is a quick sliced to a table in the hotel where a wine bottle is struck against to the table. An astute completing contacts that have a colossal effect. The maker additionally accomplishes some quality work in on-screen character determination. In spite of the fact that Branagh’s execution as Dr Frankenstein is not a huge deal, De Niro and Elizabeth work admirably to make for deficiencies somewhere else (Ebert, 2). The scene where the animal becomes companions with a family and supplies them with food while watching and learning through a split on the divider, is breathtakingly moving, and is presumably the best scene in the film. Despite the fact that his job was the most testing, De Niro acts it out with artfulness and acting and altogether improves the rating of the film. C orrespondingly, Helena gives a completely enamoring presentation. She turns out to be considerably more than Frankenstein’s mystery darling and furthermore assumes a significant job in uncovering the terrible and great sides of Frankenstein and the creature.Advertising We will compose a custom exposition test on Frankenstein (1994) explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Camera procedures are imperative to the improvement of scenes, and Branagh doesn't come up short at this. Regularly, the camera turns to Victor’s lab, where he supposedly is exceptionally disturbed as he faces a decision between committing all his opportunity to science and wedding his received sister, Elizabeth. The camera is likewise significant in demonstrating the crowd an all encompassing perspective on Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Also, as the animal lays on the day off, camera uncovers the fierceness, outrage and sharpness in its eyes. He will have retribution for his creation by Vi ctor. End Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is a fascinating film to watch. While the film has its shortcomings, it additionally has various qualities that outcomes in an intriguing watch. Angles that make Mary Shelleys Frankenstein a terrible film incorporate tedium and speed drops in certain scenes, crowd commonality with the storyline, and fast progression of scenes. In any case, Branagh compensates for these deficiencies by utilizing lovely views, fantastic acting aptitudes by various entertainers, and utilization of camera strategies to create scenes. Ebert, Roger. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. The Sun Times, November 4, 1994. Web. https://www.rogerebert.com/audits/mary-shelleys-frankenstein-1994 IMDB. Frankenstein (1994). 1994. Web. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109836/

How to Obtain a Security Clearance

How to Obtain a Security Clearance Ever wanted to get into a building, especially a government building and was asked for security clearance? Maybe you saw someone flash a card and go in while you got stopped at the door.Perhaps your case is different. You saw a highly-paying job and wanted to apply.But one of the requirements listed was a “security clearance,” something you don’t have. But you want the job.So what is a security clearance and how do you obtain it?Much can be derived from the name and the examples given above. A security clearance is an approval to grant access.More specifically, it is an eligibility to access classified information.Since classified information is not for everyone, then access to it must be limited.You’ll notice that this only applies to certain government agencies.Examples of these are the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the military and the like. Basically, any agency or department dealing with security matters will always employ access control.This is for a good reason. These departments, agencies and contractors working with them, handle sensitive information. The kind of information which touches on national security.Such information is intended only for those working on specific projects.This is why when you apply for a job in such agencies, you will be required to have security clearance.TYPES OF SECURITY CLEARANCESecurity clearance is divided into three types.These differentiate the level of sensitivity of the information whose access is being requested.At the same time, the type of clearance you have will determine which documents you can access.The three types are:ConfidentialConfidential is the lowest classification of sensitivity.This however does not mean that the information is available to anyone with a clearance. It is possible to have the security clearance of a higher level but still be denied access to confidential information.More on this in the classification categories section.Confidential clearance gives you access to confidential information.By definition, confidential information is that which when divulged, could cause damage to the national security of the US.SecretThe marker Secret is used to denote information which when disclosed, could cause serious damage to the national security of the country.Information classified as Secret is usually more confidential than that labeled Confidential.For access to such material, you will need the “Secret” security clearance .Top SecretThis is the highest level of confidentiality that can be labeled on any document or work environment. This is the label for controversial projects or government programs not intended for the general public.Examples include nuclear weaponry, local and foreign intelligence and covert military operations. As such, the “Top Secret” clearance is undoubtedly the one which gives access to the most secretive and sensitive material.The divulgence of “Top Secret” information would cause exceptionally grave dam age to the national security of the country.CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIESThere are other special classifications which are more appropriately referred to as categories. These are often at the “Top Secret” level of classification since they refer to information requiring special handling.These categories can also be found in departments dealing with “Confidential” or “Secret” information. These are not so much of classifications as they are categorization of confidential information. There are two main categories of classified information.Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)Work environments or documents under this category are highly-sensitive. In many cases, this is higher than “Top Secret” though resides in that classification. The distinction comes in what is known as “Need To Know.”“Need To Know” describes data or material whose access is so sensitive that it can only be granted if necessary.If your work or the task you are working on needs this informat ion, then you will be given access to it. Otherwise, you should not have the knowledge of it.Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is mostly used within the intelligence and military circles. Having a “Top Secret” badge does not automatically grant you access to such information. You will have to be approved for the access by someone in charge of the information.Often, these materials are accessed through code words. Code words are special words known only to a few people and they are used to allow individual access to sensitive information.Special Access Programs (SAPs)Special Access Programs are labels used to distinguish highly-secretive government projects. These are not open to all and require special badges to access.Access to such is also controlled on a “Need To Know” basis.The existence of these programs may not be acknowledged publicly due to their sensitivity.These programs will usually be found in the Department of Defense though other security agencies may h ave them too.OBTAINING A SECURITY CLEARANCEThe basics aside, how do you then obtain a security clearance? Where do you start and what is the process involved?These are the questions we will answer in this section. You will learn the steps to follow and what happens in every step of the process.Basically, there are four stages in obtaining a security clearance.Find a Job Which Requires a Security ClearanceIf you thought that a security clearance can be acquired by anyone for whatever reason, you are wrong.As you may have noticed from the introductory part of this article, security clearance is only given to the person who needs it.This means that you have to prove that you need it.And how do you do that?By showing that it is required for a job you have been hired to do. This is where some get confused. This is not similar to a letter of recommendation which you look for in advance before applying for a job. Neither do you get clearance so as to be a more attractive job candidate.Sure enough, having a security clearance will make you a more attractive candidate. But that clearance can only have come from a requirement of a previous job. An example of this is the military.Those coming from a military career often have a security clearance that is still active. For that reason, they easily get security-related jobs because there is no wait for clearance to be obtained.The process of getting clearance is itself a lengthy one because of the big number of applicants.Fill the SF-86 FormWith a job which requires a security clearance, the next thing to do is apply for the clearance. You will do this by filling the Standard Form 86 (SF 86).This questionnaire will be used to conduct background investigations to ascertain whether you should be allowed to hold a national security position.It is required that you fill the form with truthful information.Wherever you may not be sure what to write, it is advisable to check with an attorney. This is especially important if you f eel like some questions are too personal.The Investigations StageBeing a security access badge, you can be sure it won’t be given without some background check being done on you.It has to be determined that you are indeed a safe person to allow access to sensitive information.Once your application is received, an investigation will be carried out. This will mostly be in the form of interviews with you and those close to you.Those to be interviewed may also include neighbors, former classmates as well as former spouses or lovers where applicable.Note: Investigations can be quite intrusive. They will seek to unearth any detail of your life which may pose a threat to your handling of sensitive information. More than any other details, those about former relationships rank highest in sensitivity.Whereas you may prefer that such information remains unknown due to its embarrassing nature, you are required to be completely honest. Withholding information may cause you to be denied the cl earance. And in some cases, you may be charged for perjury.The Adjudication StageAfter the investigations have been carried out, next is the adjudication stage. This is the phase where your application is considered for approval.Investigations are used to provide information and verify the truthfulness of the information submitted on the SF-86 form.The adjudication stage has its own guidelines to be followed.There are a total of 13 guidelines for this. Your application will be checked against these to ascertain your eligibility.The guidelines are:1. Guideline A: Allegiance to the United StatesYou must be of unquestioned allegiance to the United States. This primarily determines how willing you would be to cause harm to the country.Involvement, associations or sympathy with activities touching on espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism etc will deny you clearance.2. Guideline B: Foreign influenceThis covers a broad range of concerns including having family members or relatives who ar e not citizens of the US. You also risk denial if you live with someone connected to foreign governments.Having financial interests in foreign countries which could make you vulnerable to foreign influence is also a concern.3. Guideline C: Foreign preferenceDo you have a liking for another country other than the US?This can be evident through usage of foreign passports, voting in foreign elections, serving in foreign military, residing in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements etc.4. Guideline D: Sexual behaviorThis can point to many ways in which you may become subject to coercion, exploitation or duress. It also checks for sexual behavior of a criminal nature, addictions and behavior which reflects lack of discretion or judgment.5. Guideline E: Personal conductChecks on your reliability, honesty, willingness to comply with rules and regulations, trustworthiness etc.Red flags could include refusal to cooperate with security processes, omission or falsification of materi al facts, association with people involved in crime etc.6. Guideline F: Financial considerationsIf you don’t meet financial obligations, have been involved in employee theft, tax evasions and the like, you may not be cleared.This means you are not financially stable and may engage in criminal activity.At the same time, unexplained affluence is usually connected to financially profitable criminal activity.7. Guideline G: Alcohol consumptionIf you take too much alcohol then you often exercise questionable judgment, don’t control your impulses and easily disclose information.In that case, you cannot be entrusted with confidential information. 8. Guideline H: Drug involvementUse of drugs (mood and behavior altering substances) can easily impair social or occupational functioning.This can lead to inappropriate disclosure of confidential information. Evidence includes drug possession, cultivation, distribution etc.9. Guideline I: Emotional, mental and personality disordersTesting by a n approved psychologist or psychiatrist will show signs of deficit in your psychological, social and occupation functioning.Patterns of proof of high-risk, irresponsible, aggressive, anti-social or emotionally unstable behavior will work against your application. These are taken to indicate a defect in judgment, reliability or stability.10. Guideline J: Criminal conductHave you committed a single serious crime or multiple lesser offenses? Are there recent allegations of criminal conduct against you? Such will lead to a conclusion that you cannot be relied upon or trusted.11. Guideline K: Security violationsDo you comply with security regulations? Are you on record having violated such regulations deliberately or due to negligence?These points to potential lack of trustworthiness, willingness and ability to safeguard classified information.12. Guideline L: Outside activitiesThese include volunteer or employment with foreign countries or nationals or association with people of foreign citizenship involved in matters like defense, foreign affairs or protected technology.Such may be an influence on you, thus posing a threat to the confidential information which may be in your possession.13. Guideline M: Misuse of Information Technology SystemsThis is all about hacking activities which include illegal or unauthorized access to IT systems and removal of hardware, software or media of this nature.It also covers illegal or unauthorized modification, destruction or denial of access to information residing in an IT system.STATUSES IN THE APPLICATION PROCESSIn the course of your application review, different statuses may be assigned to your file. These indicate where your application stands in the process of approval or denial.These are mostly used internally to determine what action is currently being taken on the application. The statuses include the below.Action PendingThis label shows that the investigation to your application has not yet started. You are among those waiting in line for an available investigator to take up your file.Alternatively, you may have been assigned an investigator but he is yet to start working on your application.Often, this is simply due to the backlog since the applications received before yours have to be dealt with first.You will therefore have to exercise some patience before it’s time to handle yours.Eligibility PendingThis is a more favorable state for your application to be in compared to the “action pending” state. This label on your file indicates that the investigations to your application are complete.With that completion, what remains is a review which happens in the adjudication stage.The information provided by the investigations will be considered against the guidelines above.This is what will inform the eligibility of your security clearance. It is likely that there are some applications to be handled before yours but the backlog here might not be as big as that in the investigations stage.No De termination MadeIn the event that the adjudicator requires more information before giving a determination on your application, this is the label which will be on your file.More information may be sought from the investigator or it may simply be a case of a suitable determination being awaited.Position of TrustThis label indicates that you have been granted access to classified information. The grant is usually at the level requested. This could be Confidential, Secret or Top Secret.The full process of investigation and adjudication have shown that you are capable of being trusted with sensitive information.THE INTERIM SECURITY CLEARANCEIt might interest you to know that there is also an option of obtaining an interim security clearance.This option exists for those situations in which you need to start working in a short time and cannot wait the usual duration of the process.This comes in the backdrop of the fact that clearance approval normally takes a lot of time.There are also man y pending applications and newer applicants may end up waiting for some time. Source: Clearance JobsSince clearance is necessary before you start working, your new employer may require that you start working soon. For this reason, you will need an interim security clearance.This may or may not be granted. There is no guarantee.If granted, it will be during the early days of the investigation stage. The clearance will last until the adjudication of your application is done.If clearance is granted to your application, then the interim becomes nullified as you get the confirmed security clearance. If security clearance is denied, then you lose the interim clearance.Interim clearances are provided for the level requested in your application. If you applied for Secret security clearance, then it will granted for that level of sensitivity.There are some limitations to the interim clearance too.If you have an interim clearance for the Confidential and Secret levels, then you cannot access Restricted Data, NATO Information, and COMSEC information.An interim clearance for the Top Secret level will give you access to these types of material, but only at the Confidential and Secret levels.PERIODIC INVESTIGATIONSIf you finally get the clearance, feel free to celebrate. Congratulations.The government deems you trustworthy enough to handle sensitive information.Keep in mind though that your clearance is subject to re-investigations.This may come from your own application so as to keep the clearance current. It can also be as a result of implementing policies.Such policies seek to ensure that those with clearance remain eligible to hold them.The Confidential clearance is re-investigated after every 15 years. The Secret clearance is re-investigated after 10 years while re-investigating the Top Secret clearance is done after 5 years.CONCLUSIONObtaining a security clearance is not difficult, but may take time. The clearance however is often a gateway to a well-paying job.Nonetheless, you should remember that honesty in the process is key. Do not lie about anything asked about.In case you find it challenging and need help clarifying on anything, especially at the SF-86 form stage, it is advisable to consult an attorney.He can also advise on any information you feel you wouldn’t want to reveal. This will help you explain things in case it comes up later as an omission.

How to Obtain a Security Clearance

How to Obtain a Security Clearance Ever wanted to get into a building, especially a government building and was asked for security clearance? Maybe you saw someone flash a card and go in while you got stopped at the door.Perhaps your case is different. You saw a highly-paying job and wanted to apply.But one of the requirements listed was a “security clearance,” something you don’t have. But you want the job.So what is a security clearance and how do you obtain it?Much can be derived from the name and the examples given above. A security clearance is an approval to grant access.More specifically, it is an eligibility to access classified information.Since classified information is not for everyone, then access to it must be limited.You’ll notice that this only applies to certain government agencies.Examples of these are the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the military and the like. Basically, any agency or department dealing with security matters will always employ access control.This is for a good reason. These departments, agencies and contractors working with them, handle sensitive information. The kind of information which touches on national security.Such information is intended only for those working on specific projects.This is why when you apply for a job in such agencies, you will be required to have security clearance.TYPES OF SECURITY CLEARANCESecurity clearance is divided into three types.These differentiate the level of sensitivity of the information whose access is being requested.At the same time, the type of clearance you have will determine which documents you can access.The three types are:ConfidentialConfidential is the lowest classification of sensitivity.This however does not mean that the information is available to anyone with a clearance. It is possible to have the security clearance of a higher level but still be denied access to confidential information.More on this in the classification categories section.Confidential clearance gives you access to confidential information.By definition, confidential information is that which when divulged, could cause damage to the national security of the US.SecretThe marker Secret is used to denote information which when disclosed, could cause serious damage to the national security of the country.Information classified as Secret is usually more confidential than that labeled Confidential.For access to such material, you will need the “Secret” security clearance .Top SecretThis is the highest level of confidentiality that can be labeled on any document or work environment. This is the label for controversial projects or government programs not intended for the general public.Examples include nuclear weaponry, local and foreign intelligence and covert military operations. As such, the “Top Secret” clearance is undoubtedly the one which gives access to the most secretive and sensitive material.The divulgence of “Top Secret” information would cause exceptionally grave dam age to the national security of the country.CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIESThere are other special classifications which are more appropriately referred to as categories. These are often at the “Top Secret” level of classification since they refer to information requiring special handling.These categories can also be found in departments dealing with “Confidential” or “Secret” information. These are not so much of classifications as they are categorization of confidential information. There are two main categories of classified information.Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)Work environments or documents under this category are highly-sensitive. In many cases, this is higher than “Top Secret” though resides in that classification. The distinction comes in what is known as “Need To Know.”“Need To Know” describes data or material whose access is so sensitive that it can only be granted if necessary.If your work or the task you are working on needs this informat ion, then you will be given access to it. Otherwise, you should not have the knowledge of it.Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is mostly used within the intelligence and military circles. Having a “Top Secret” badge does not automatically grant you access to such information. You will have to be approved for the access by someone in charge of the information.Often, these materials are accessed through code words. Code words are special words known only to a few people and they are used to allow individual access to sensitive information.Special Access Programs (SAPs)Special Access Programs are labels used to distinguish highly-secretive government projects. These are not open to all and require special badges to access.Access to such is also controlled on a “Need To Know” basis.The existence of these programs may not be acknowledged publicly due to their sensitivity.These programs will usually be found in the Department of Defense though other security agencies may h ave them too.OBTAINING A SECURITY CLEARANCEThe basics aside, how do you then obtain a security clearance? Where do you start and what is the process involved?These are the questions we will answer in this section. You will learn the steps to follow and what happens in every step of the process.Basically, there are four stages in obtaining a security clearance.Find a Job Which Requires a Security ClearanceIf you thought that a security clearance can be acquired by anyone for whatever reason, you are wrong.As you may have noticed from the introductory part of this article, security clearance is only given to the person who needs it.This means that you have to prove that you need it.And how do you do that?By showing that it is required for a job you have been hired to do. This is where some get confused. This is not similar to a letter of recommendation which you look for in advance before applying for a job. Neither do you get clearance so as to be a more attractive job candidate.Sure enough, having a security clearance will make you a more attractive candidate. But that clearance can only have come from a requirement of a previous job. An example of this is the military.Those coming from a military career often have a security clearance that is still active. For that reason, they easily get security-related jobs because there is no wait for clearance to be obtained.The process of getting clearance is itself a lengthy one because of the big number of applicants.Fill the SF-86 FormWith a job which requires a security clearance, the next thing to do is apply for the clearance. You will do this by filling the Standard Form 86 (SF 86).This questionnaire will be used to conduct background investigations to ascertain whether you should be allowed to hold a national security position.It is required that you fill the form with truthful information.Wherever you may not be sure what to write, it is advisable to check with an attorney. This is especially important if you f eel like some questions are too personal.The Investigations StageBeing a security access badge, you can be sure it won’t be given without some background check being done on you.It has to be determined that you are indeed a safe person to allow access to sensitive information.Once your application is received, an investigation will be carried out. This will mostly be in the form of interviews with you and those close to you.Those to be interviewed may also include neighbors, former classmates as well as former spouses or lovers where applicable.Note: Investigations can be quite intrusive. They will seek to unearth any detail of your life which may pose a threat to your handling of sensitive information. More than any other details, those about former relationships rank highest in sensitivity.Whereas you may prefer that such information remains unknown due to its embarrassing nature, you are required to be completely honest. Withholding information may cause you to be denied the cl earance. And in some cases, you may be charged for perjury.The Adjudication StageAfter the investigations have been carried out, next is the adjudication stage. This is the phase where your application is considered for approval.Investigations are used to provide information and verify the truthfulness of the information submitted on the SF-86 form.The adjudication stage has its own guidelines to be followed.There are a total of 13 guidelines for this. Your application will be checked against these to ascertain your eligibility.The guidelines are:1. Guideline A: Allegiance to the United StatesYou must be of unquestioned allegiance to the United States. This primarily determines how willing you would be to cause harm to the country.Involvement, associations or sympathy with activities touching on espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism etc will deny you clearance.2. Guideline B: Foreign influenceThis covers a broad range of concerns including having family members or relatives who ar e not citizens of the US. You also risk denial if you live with someone connected to foreign governments.Having financial interests in foreign countries which could make you vulnerable to foreign influence is also a concern.3. Guideline C: Foreign preferenceDo you have a liking for another country other than the US?This can be evident through usage of foreign passports, voting in foreign elections, serving in foreign military, residing in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements etc.4. Guideline D: Sexual behaviorThis can point to many ways in which you may become subject to coercion, exploitation or duress. It also checks for sexual behavior of a criminal nature, addictions and behavior which reflects lack of discretion or judgment.5. Guideline E: Personal conductChecks on your reliability, honesty, willingness to comply with rules and regulations, trustworthiness etc.Red flags could include refusal to cooperate with security processes, omission or falsification of materi al facts, association with people involved in crime etc.6. Guideline F: Financial considerationsIf you don’t meet financial obligations, have been involved in employee theft, tax evasions and the like, you may not be cleared.This means you are not financially stable and may engage in criminal activity.At the same time, unexplained affluence is usually connected to financially profitable criminal activity.7. Guideline G: Alcohol consumptionIf you take too much alcohol then you often exercise questionable judgment, don’t control your impulses and easily disclose information.In that case, you cannot be entrusted with confidential information. 8. Guideline H: Drug involvementUse of drugs (mood and behavior altering substances) can easily impair social or occupational functioning.This can lead to inappropriate disclosure of confidential information. Evidence includes drug possession, cultivation, distribution etc.9. Guideline I: Emotional, mental and personality disordersTesting by a n approved psychologist or psychiatrist will show signs of deficit in your psychological, social and occupation functioning.Patterns of proof of high-risk, irresponsible, aggressive, anti-social or emotionally unstable behavior will work against your application. These are taken to indicate a defect in judgment, reliability or stability.10. Guideline J: Criminal conductHave you committed a single serious crime or multiple lesser offenses? Are there recent allegations of criminal conduct against you? Such will lead to a conclusion that you cannot be relied upon or trusted.11. Guideline K: Security violationsDo you comply with security regulations? Are you on record having violated such regulations deliberately or due to negligence?These points to potential lack of trustworthiness, willingness and ability to safeguard classified information.12. Guideline L: Outside activitiesThese include volunteer or employment with foreign countries or nationals or association with people of foreign citizenship involved in matters like defense, foreign affairs or protected technology.Such may be an influence on you, thus posing a threat to the confidential information which may be in your possession.13. Guideline M: Misuse of Information Technology SystemsThis is all about hacking activities which include illegal or unauthorized access to IT systems and removal of hardware, software or media of this nature.It also covers illegal or unauthorized modification, destruction or denial of access to information residing in an IT system.STATUSES IN THE APPLICATION PROCESSIn the course of your application review, different statuses may be assigned to your file. These indicate where your application stands in the process of approval or denial.These are mostly used internally to determine what action is currently being taken on the application. The statuses include the below.Action PendingThis label shows that the investigation to your application has not yet started. You are among those waiting in line for an available investigator to take up your file.Alternatively, you may have been assigned an investigator but he is yet to start working on your application.Often, this is simply due to the backlog since the applications received before yours have to be dealt with first.You will therefore have to exercise some patience before it’s time to handle yours.Eligibility PendingThis is a more favorable state for your application to be in compared to the “action pending” state. This label on your file indicates that the investigations to your application are complete.With that completion, what remains is a review which happens in the adjudication stage.The information provided by the investigations will be considered against the guidelines above.This is what will inform the eligibility of your security clearance. It is likely that there are some applications to be handled before yours but the backlog here might not be as big as that in the investigations stage.No De termination MadeIn the event that the adjudicator requires more information before giving a determination on your application, this is the label which will be on your file.More information may be sought from the investigator or it may simply be a case of a suitable determination being awaited.Position of TrustThis label indicates that you have been granted access to classified information. The grant is usually at the level requested. This could be Confidential, Secret or Top Secret.The full process of investigation and adjudication have shown that you are capable of being trusted with sensitive information.THE INTERIM SECURITY CLEARANCEIt might interest you to know that there is also an option of obtaining an interim security clearance.This option exists for those situations in which you need to start working in a short time and cannot wait the usual duration of the process.This comes in the backdrop of the fact that clearance approval normally takes a lot of time.There are also man y pending applications and newer applicants may end up waiting for some time. Source: Clearance JobsSince clearance is necessary before you start working, your new employer may require that you start working soon. For this reason, you will need an interim security clearance.This may or may not be granted. There is no guarantee.If granted, it will be during the early days of the investigation stage. The clearance will last until the adjudication of your application is done.If clearance is granted to your application, then the interim becomes nullified as you get the confirmed security clearance. If security clearance is denied, then you lose the interim clearance.Interim clearances are provided for the level requested in your application. If you applied for Secret security clearance, then it will granted for that level of sensitivity.There are some limitations to the interim clearance too.If you have an interim clearance for the Confidential and Secret levels, then you cannot access Restricted Data, NATO Information, and COMSEC information.An interim clearance for the Top Secret level will give you access to these types of material, but only at the Confidential and Secret levels.PERIODIC INVESTIGATIONSIf you finally get the clearance, feel free to celebrate. Congratulations.The government deems you trustworthy enough to handle sensitive information.Keep in mind though that your clearance is subject to re-investigations.This may come from your own application so as to keep the clearance current. It can also be as a result of implementing policies.Such policies seek to ensure that those with clearance remain eligible to hold them.The Confidential clearance is re-investigated after every 15 years. The Secret clearance is re-investigated after 10 years while re-investigating the Top Secret clearance is done after 5 years.CONCLUSIONObtaining a security clearance is not difficult, but may take time. The clearance however is often a gateway to a well-paying job.Nonetheless, you should remember that honesty in the process is key. Do not lie about anything asked about.In case you find it challenging and need help clarifying on anything, especially at the SF-86 form stage, it is advisable to consult an attorney.He can also advise on any information you feel you wouldn’t want to reveal. This will help you explain things in case it comes up later as an omission.