SECURITY CLEARANCE 101: Why are security clearances so valuable?

Experts project that a security clearance can increase your salary anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000, and in some cases, even more. When employers do not have to invest time and money into a background check and the paperwork that goes with that, the saved money often goes back into the employee's salary. Former military personnel who have security clearances are very appealing to employers. In addition to the thorough background check that has already been completed, these employees are disciplined, dependable, and have strong leadership skills - priceless attributes in today's market.

Types of security clearances 

The scope of investigative work needed to grant a security clearance depends on the level of clearance being requested. There are three basic levels of security classification:

CONFIDENTIAL: This refers to material, which, if improperly disclosed, could be reasonably expected to cause some measurable damage to national security. The vast majority of military personnel are given this very basic level of clearance. This level needs to be reinvestigated every fifteen years.*

SECRET: The unauthorized disclosure of secret information could be expected to cause serious damage to national security. This level is reinvestigated every ten years.*

TOP SECRET: Individuals with this clearance have access to information or material that could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if it was released without authorization. This level needs to be reinvestigated every five years.