> how many of those hires already had clearances and/or military experience?
>
> you've got an active TS/SCI and we'll get you onboarded next week.
Defense contractors often want candidates to have an active clearance, but AFAIK that's not at all a requirement for DoD labs.
I'm guessing the contractors want to avoid the financial cost and scheduling uncertainty of applying for the clearance. Especially because the clearance follows a person when they change employers.
> and if you don't... it'll be at least 6 months.
I'm not sure where you got that information, but it doesn't match my experience. You get an interim (non-TS) clearance very quickly, and a permanent clearance eventually.
> and that's assuming people aren't too upset about ties to China, a polyamorous lifestyle, or how much weed you smoked.
I have no idea what exact criteria OPM uses for denying a clearance application.
But last I knew, DoD does do random drug testing. I'm not sure what the consequences are for failing a marijuana test, but it wouldn't shock me if it causes loss of clearance.
Defense contractors often want candidates to have an active clearance, but AFAIK that's not at all a requirement for DoD labs.
I'm guessing the contractors want to avoid the financial cost and scheduling uncertainty of applying for the clearance. Especially because the clearance follows a person when they change employers.
> and if you don't... it'll be at least 6 months.
I'm not sure where you got that information, but it doesn't match my experience. You get an interim (non-TS) clearance very quickly, and a permanent clearance eventually.
> and that's assuming people aren't too upset about ties to China, a polyamorous lifestyle, or how much weed you smoked.
I have no idea what exact criteria OPM uses for denying a clearance application.
But last I knew, DoD does do random drug testing. I'm not sure what the consequences are for failing a marijuana test, but it wouldn't shock me if it causes loss of clearance.