Personnel Security Flashcards

For SFPC and SAPPC

1
Q

What is the purpose of Personnel Security Program (PSP)?

A
  • Establishes the standards, criteria and guidelines upon which personnel security determinations are based
  • Helps determine that those granted access to classified are (and will remain) loyal, trustworthy and reliable
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2
Q

What are the character traits of cleared personnel?

A

Loyal
Trustworthy
Reliable

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3
Q

Personnel Security Program (PSP) Policies

A

DoDI 5200.02

DoDM 5200.02

Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4

EO 12968

EO 13467

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4
Q

What are the five elements of the Personnel Security Program (PSP)?

A
Designation
Investigation
Adjudication
Reinvestigation
Continuous Evaluation
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5
Q

What is a Designation?

A

An assessment of a position’s potential impact on national security

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6
Q

What is Adjudication?

A
  • Judgment concerning security clearance eligibility made by evaluating the reported information against the national security adjudicative guidelines
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7
Q

What is Reinvestigation?

A
  • Individuals are reinvestigated at certain intervals based on duties or access
  • May be initiated when unfavorable information arises that raises a concern under the adjudicative guidelines
  • Considered part of the Continuous Evaluation Program
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8
Q

What is Continuous Evaluation?

A

Used to monitor employees for new information or changes since the last investigation or reinvestigation that could affect their eligibility status

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9
Q

What is Eligibility?

A

A favorable determination for access to classified or assignment to a sensitive position prior to access being granted

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10
Q

Who may be granted security clearance eligibility?

A

Only US Citizens

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11
Q

What are the 4 Personnel Designation Categories?

A

Special-sensitive
Critical-sensitive
Noncritical-sensitive
Non-sensitive

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12
Q

What is Limited Access Authorization (LAA)?

A

May be granted when it is in the interest of the U.S. Government to allow a non-U.S. citizen to have access to classified information

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13
Q

Special Sensitive Position

A
  • Civilian national security position
  • Potential for inestimable damage
  • Includes SCI and SAP
  • Any civilian position the DoD Component head determines to be at higher level than critical-sensitive
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14
Q

Critical Sensitive Position

A
  • Civilian national security position
  • Potential to cause exceptionally grave damage
  • Includes TS, DOE “Q” and fiduciary duties of over $50 million
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15
Q

Non-critical Sensitive

A
  • Civilian national security position
  • Potential to cause significant or serious damage
  • Includes Secret, Confidential and DOE “L”
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16
Q

Non-sensitive

A
  • No sensitive job duties
  • No need for access to classified
  • Position does not have the potential to adversely impact national security
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17
Q

What is the investigative requirement for LAA?

A

Tier 5 - SSBI

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18
Q

What are the LAA Restrictions?

A
  • Access limited to Secret or lower
  • Access limited to the approved program or project
  • Information must be releasable to the applicant’s home country

*Access outside approved program or project is a compromise and must be handled as one

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19
Q

What are some positions that do not require access to classified, but may require a security investigation?

A
  • Red Cross and/or other United Service Organizations personnel
  • Non-U.S. citizens employed by DoD components overseas
  • Personnel occupying some IT or related positions
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20
Q

What are the areas of Special Access?

A
  • Presidential Support Activities
  • Special Access Programs
  • Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
  • Nuclear Personnel Reliability Program (Nuclear PRP)
  • Nuclear Command and Control - Extremely Sensitive Information (NC2-ESI)
  • Chemical PRP
  • NATO
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21
Q

What is the purpose of Nuclear Personnel Reliability Program (PRP)?

A
  • Ensure all those performing duties associated with nuclear weapons or nuclear command and control systems and equipment are
  • Emotionally stable
  • Physically capable
  • Reliable
  • Professionally competent
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22
Q

What is Restricted Data (RD)?

A
  • Additional warning notice of special handling requirements
  • Includes information concerning:
    • Design, manufacture or use of atomic weapons
    • Production of special nuclear material
    • Use of special nuclear material in the production of energy

*Restricted Data is not SAP nor is it a classification category!

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23
Q

What is Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI)?

A
  • Restricted Data classified as Top Secret or Secret
  • Includes information about the theory of operation or design of the components of a thermo-nuclear or implosion-type fission bomb, warhead, demolition munition, or test device
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24
Q

Which areas are included in Special Access, but are not considered SAPs?

A
  • Restricted Data (RD)

- Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI)

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25
Q

What is included in an Initial Briefing?

A
  • Importance of classified information
  • Proper ways to protect classified information
  • How to perform duties that require access
  • Potential security concerns with foreign intelligence services
  • Procedures to report issues associated with the protection of classified information
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26
Q

What is the purpose of an Annual Briefing?

A
  • Remind people of responsibilities under the personnel security program
  • Inform people of changes in the personnel security program since their last briefing
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27
Q

What is the purpose of an Insider Threat Briefing?

A
  • Share the importance of detecting potential insider threat
  • Make individuals aware of insider threat indicators and reporting requirements
  • Information on methods used by adversaries to recruit trusted insiders
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28
Q

What is included in a Termination Briefing?

A
  • Legal requirements to protect classified information
  • Criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure
  • How intelligence services may target personnel after they have left federal service and how to report problems
  • Need for written approval from the agency before any disclosure
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29
Q

Who receives Termination Briefings?

A
  • Military or civilians leaving service
  • Those who have been terminated from employment
  • Those who have an administrative withdrawal of their access
  • Those will be absent from duty for 60 days or more
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30
Q

Steps for Applying for a Personnel Clearance

A
  1. Using e-QIP, the security office initiates a personnel security questionnaire
  2. The individual being investigated completes the e-QIP
  3. The security office reviews and approves the questionnaire
  4. The security office forwards the electronic questionnaire to the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB)
  5. NBIB completes the investigative process and provides the DoD CAF with a report
  6. Adjudicators at the CAF utilize the report and the Adjudicative Guidelines to make an eligibility determination
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31
Q

Who grants access to classified information?

A

The local command or activity

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32
Q

Who grants security clearance eligibility?

A

The DoD CAF

33
Q

What are the Clearance Process Phases?

A
  1. A personnel security investigation (PSI) is initiated and completed on an individual
  2. The PSI report is forwarded to the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF)
  3. The DoD CAF reviews the information in the PSI and compares it to national adjudication standards
  4. The DoD CAF makes a determination and either grants a security clearance eligibility or not
34
Q

Who is restricted from obtaining security clearance eligibility?

A
  • Non-U.S. citizens
  • Civilians in non-sensitive positions
  • Individuals that receive an unfavorable adjudication determination after due process
  • Individuals who may have had inadvertent access or exposure to sensitive or classified information
  • Individuals who would require eligibility only for “ease of movement”
35
Q

Who’s responsibility is it to ensure the recipient of classified information has the appropriate clearance eligibility and need-to-know?

A

The person who holds the information (custodian)

36
Q

Access to Restricted Data

A
  • Only if it is required for performance of official duties

- Only to individuals who hold a valid DoD security clearance eligibility at a level commensurate with the information

37
Q

What are the requirements for access to Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI)?

A
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Minimum security clearance is Secret or Top Secret
  • Limited to the absolute minimum number of people who need it to accomplish their job duties
  • Written and oral communication is strictly limited to personnel with a justified and documented need to know

*Exceptions granted by the Secretary of Defense or designee

38
Q

Is regular access a set time?

A

No, regular access could be daily, weekly or even monthly, depending on the job

39
Q

What is Need-to-know (NTK)?

A

Classified information is only accessible to those who’s official duties require it

40
Q

What is the purpose of the Privacy Act of 1974?

A
  • Regulates the federal government’s authority to collect personal information on an individual
  • Limits the use of information collected for specific purposes
41
Q

What does the Privacy Act Advisement inform the individual?

A
  1. Under what authority the information is being collected
  2. Purpose of collecting the information
  3. Routine uses of the information
  4. Whether providing information is voluntary or mandatory and the impact of choosing not to provide the information

*Authority, Principal Purposes, Routine Uses and Voluntary or Mandatory Nature of Disclosure.

42
Q

What is Reciprocity?

A

Mutual acceptance of a personnel security clearance eligibility by all government agencies, regardless of which agency issued the clearance

43
Q

What is an Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP)?

A
  • Used to automate all investigative questionnaires
  • Allows the subject of an investigation to enter all personal data and know that it is safe due to being on a secure network
44
Q

Which system is replacing JPAS?

A

DISS

45
Q

What is JPAS?

A

Joint Personnel Adjudications System

  • DoD system that uses the web to connect security personnel around the world with a database managed by the DoD CAF
  • Uses a centralized database with centralized computer processing and application programs for a standardized DoD personnel security processes
  • Includes JCAVS and JAMS
46
Q

What is JCAVS?

A
  • Joint Clearance and Access Verification System
  • Used by security professionals including contractors
  • Update accesses and related information in real time
  • Communicate with other Security Management Offices and CAFs
  • Manage personnel actions, run reports and receive notifications
47
Q

What is JAMS?

A

Joint Adjudication Management System

  • Used by the DoD CAF
  • Single information system to assist in the adjudication process
  • Standardizes core DoD Adjudication processes
  • Used by adjudicators to record eligibility determinations and recommend access decisions
  • Promotes reciprocity between the DoD CAF and the security professional
48
Q

What is CATS?

A

DoD Case Adjudication Tracking System

  • For all non-intelligence activities
  • Used by the DoD CAF adjudicators to review electronic PSIs completed by the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB)
  • The adjudicator can record eligibility and can recommend access determinations
  • Part of DISS
49
Q

What are the two main components of DISS?

A
  • The DISS Portal

- The Case Adjudication Tracking System (CATS)

50
Q

What is the purpose of Personnel security investigations (PSI)?

A

Used to determine the eligibility of an individual for access to

  • Classified information
  • Acceptance into or retention in the Armed Forces
  • Assignment or retention to sensitive duties or other designated duties requiring investigation

*Also known as national security background investigations

51
Q

What is the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB)?

A

Investigative agency to which government personnel submit their e-QIP

52
Q

What is the Personnel Security Management Office for Industry (PSMO-I)?

A

Investigative office to which industry submits their e-QIP

53
Q

Who is authorized to request a PSI?

A

Military Departments (including DoD CAF)
Defense Agencies
Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Commanders of Unified and Specified Commands or designees

*Other requesters approved by the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

54
Q

Who may waive investigative requirements and suspend access to SCI?

A

Cognizant Senior Officials of the Intelligence Community (SOICs) or their designees

55
Q

Who may waive investigative requirements and suspend access for military and/or civilian personnel?

A
  • Commander and/or agency head
  • Head of the component
  • Adjudicative authority
56
Q

What is the purpose of an Investigative Report?

A
  • Allows adjudicators to get a comprehensive view of the individual
  • Allows the adjudicators to make a sound decision regarding the person’s suitability for
  • A position of trust
  • Eligibility for access to classified
  • Entry or retention in the military or government service
57
Q

What is the purpose of Federal Investigative Standards (FIS)?

A
  • Establishes standard requirements for conducting background investigations for determining eligibility for access to classified or to hold a national security sensitive position
  • Determines suitability/fitness for Federal Government employment
  • Determines eligibility for logical and physical access to Federal Government controlled facilities and information systems which use HSPD-12 credentialing
58
Q

What are the two background investigations approved for the initial issuance of a national security clearance eligibility or assignment to a national security sensitive position?

A

Tier 3 and Tier 5.

59
Q

What is the timeline for periodic reinvestigations of Tier 3?

A

Every 10 years

60
Q

What is the timeline for periodic reinvestigations of Tier 5?

A

Every 6 years

61
Q

When is the Privacy Act Advisement given?

A

Each and every time information is collected from an individual during the investigation

62
Q

Name 3 Procedures to Safeguard PSI Reports

A
  • Maintain control/accountability of reports (authorized requester)
  • Restrict reproduction to minimum number of copies
  • Store in a secured container (vault or safe)
  • Seal in double envelopes when transmitted (mail or courier)
  • Protect status of personnel security clearance
63
Q

Who is responsible for safeguarding PSI records?

A

DoD authorities who administer the personnel security program

64
Q

Who has access to PSI records?

A

Only those whose official duties require access and the subject of the PSI

65
Q

What is the retention for PSI Reports?

A

Favorable reports - Destroy after 15 years
Minor Derogatory - Destroy after 15 years
Unfavorable - Destroy after 25 years
Incomplete - Destroy after 1 year

66
Q

How are PSI reports destroyed?

A

In the same manner as what is used for the destruction of classified information

67
Q

Which investigative requirement is conducted upon reentry to the Armed Forces following a gap of 24 moths?

A

A Tier 3

68
Q

What are the restrictions for waived access of Retired Flag/General Officers?

A
  • An active duty flag or general officer has a compelling reason for that individual to have access
  • Access is limited to 90 days or less
  • Access level is commensurate with the security clearance held at the time of retirement
69
Q

What is Interim Eligibility?

A
  • It is temporary eligibility
  • Granted by the DoD CAF, local commands and other authorities
  • Allows employees to begin working on sensitive or classified projects until a final security clearance eligibility is granted or denied
70
Q

What is One Time Access?

A
  • Allows personnel to access information without a full security upgrade
  • May be granted to DoD personnel if they have an existing clearance eligibility but require short-term access to classified at a higher level
  • Only if the processing time required to upgrade the clearance eligibility would preclude timely access to the information
71
Q

What are the main responsibilities of the DoD CAF?

A
  • Central repository for investigative records
  • National security adjudicative decisions based on the “whole person” concept and balance of interests for national security against the interests of the individual
  • Requests additional information where there is evidence that someone may no longer be eligible for a clearance
72
Q

What is the Adjudicative Process?

A
  • The examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk
  • The adjudicative process is the careful weighing of a number of variables, known as the whole person concept
73
Q

Explain the “Whole Person” concept

A

Reliable information about a person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, is considered against the Adjudicative Guidelines

74
Q

Name 5 of the 13 Adjudicative Guidelines

A
Allegiance to the United States 
Foreign influence 
Foreign preference 
Sexual behavior 
Personal conduct 
Financial considerations 
Alcohol consumption 
Drug involvement and substance misuse 
Psychological conditions 
Criminal conduct 
Handling protected information 
Outside activities 
Use of information technology
75
Q

What policy provides Adjudicative Guidelines?

A

Director of National Intelligence Security Executive Agent Directive, or DNI SEAD, 4

76
Q

Who is subject to Continuous Evaluation?

A

All individuals who hold security clearance eligibility

77
Q

What is Continuous Evaluation?

A
  • Process that enables security professionals to monitor individuals who maintain security clearance eligibility
  • Uninterrupted assessment of an individual for retention of a security clearance eligibility or a continuing assignment to sensitive duties
78
Q

What is the relationship between Continuous Evaluation and Reinvestigation?

A

Periodic reinvestigations are conducted as part of the process of continuous evaluation

79
Q

What are Reports of Investigation (ROI)?

A

Reports submitted that begin the adjudicative phase