Security Clearance Points of Increased Interest Involving Social Media & Others:
- Facebook Etiquette: Remember your FB will be checked for security clearances, so obviously don't post things like drunk pictures or embarrassing moments that you don't want your Commanders to see. Additionally, even sarcastic jokes about things like terrorism can be taken seriously and threaten your career so DON'T make them!
- Online Dating: You need to be careful about dating foreigners (in regards to clearances), but now even online dating and friendships with foreigners are in often in question.
- Family: In addition to issues with foreign spouses, even naturalized ones, domestic issues can threaten your clearance.
- Books: Even questionable electronic books on your E-readers, such as end-of-times or explosives, can put your clearance in jeopardy.
- Drugs: The use of certain legal drugs, in addition to the usual illegal ones are now problematic for security clearances such as ADD or psychological meds.
- Lies: Simply put - do NOT lie on clearance applications.
- Alcohol: DUIs and excessive problem drinking (even drinking a case of beer on the weekends could constitute excessive drinking)
- Food, Supplements, and Teas: Be careful of items like hemp seed oil that might make you pop positive for drugs and remember that marijuana still is not legal for soldiers' use even in states like Washington and Colorado.
- Computers: Do NOT use your government issued computer for anything off color or inappropriate. Additionally, beware of spending too much time surfing the net or anything else of which your command would not approve.
- Money: Falling behind on bills, including your mortgage, or failing to pay taxes can lead to issues.
