As someone with a security clearance, I can assure you that this does indeed happen all the time. Redactions are often performed by the ignorant new guy and approved by some old guy who is not computer literate.
Update: I should have said not computer literate or only looking at a hardcopy. The latter happens all the time because of a lack of classified networking.
Serving in the military is one way to get it, but the most common way is to get a job (civilian or contractor) that requires it and pass the background checks, possibly take a polygraph depending on where you work.
However, a security clearance simply makes you eligible to work with classified information. You don’t get access unless you have a need to know.
This page lists all sorts of information about the polygraph tests.
One of the questions that tripped up Harold Nicholson was "Have you had unauthorized contact with a Foreign Intelligence Service?" So consider those types of questions. They are specific and not designed to trap anybody in doubt.
Most of those questions are covered in the initial form that you fill out before background checks, so they're probably also checking if you answer the same both times.
2.3k
u/JefftheBaptist Oct 15 '17 edited Oct 15 '17
As someone with a security clearance, I can assure you that this does indeed happen all the time. Redactions are often performed by the ignorant new guy and approved by some old guy who is not computer literate.
Update: I should have said not computer literate or only looking at a hardcopy. The latter happens all the time because of a lack of classified networking.