What is a collateral clearance?
The term “collateral clearance” is used to describe a security clearance without any special access authorizations. What is a “special access authorization?” Access to classified defense information is based on an appropriate level of security clearance (Confidential, Secret or Top Secret) and a “need-to-know.” Need-to-know can be either a formal or an informal determination. All classified defense information exists within one of these two “need-to-know” domains—formal or informal. Information that exists within the domain of informal need-to-know determinations is referred to as “collateral classified” information. Information that requires a formal need-to-know determination (also known as a special access authorization) exists within Special Access Programs (SAP) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Acronyms such as ATOMAL, CNWDI, COMSEC, COSMIC, CRYPTO, NOFORN, ORCON, SAP, SCI, SIOP-ESI, SPECAT, SIOP-ESI, etc., are not clearances. They are categories of classified inform
A collateral clearance is a clearance with no caveats (e.g., special accesses such as COMSEC or NATO). In other words, TS, S and C are collateral clearances. What is a clearance with a “caveat?” A clearance with a caveat is a collateral clearance plus a special access. In order to have the special access, the cleared individual usually receives a briefing related to the caveat. COMSEC and NATO are examples of caveats requiring a briefing prior to access. How do I get an SCI clearance? A Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance is a special access beyond a Confidential (C), Secret(S) or Top Secret (TS). In order to have a (SCI) clearance, a cleared contractor must first be selected by a government agency. That government agency issues and monitors SCIs. With the exception of processing the C, S or TS facility and personnel clearance, DSS is not involved in SCI clearances. Can a naturalized person get a Personnel Clearance? Yes. A naturalized person is to be treated as a US ci
