Military jobs that require security clearance

I'm curious about military positions that require a security clearance. What kind of jobs would this involve, and how does one obtain the required clearance? Would love to hear about the process from anyone who's done it.

A variety of jobs across all branches of the military – including the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the Space Force – require security clearances. These positions span intelligence, cyber security, nuclear operations, linguistics, and more, but they have one thing in common: the need for a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information responsibly.

Obtaining a security clearance involves a multi-step process including a comprehensive background investigation. This process will look into multiple aspects of your life including your citizenship, residence, education, work history, personal references, and could involve a personal interview. The biggest factors involved in obtaining a security clearance are honesty and integrity. It's crucial to be truthful at every step of the process – any discrepancy or falsehood can result in being denied a clearance.

On submitting your Security Clearance Application, the Department of Defense's Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), or a similar body depending on the military branch, will evaluate the gathered information and decide if you are eligible for a clearance. The timeline for the clearance process can take several months and depends on the level of clearance you're applying for.

It's important to note that having a security clearance can open many doors within the military, but it also carries a great deal of responsibility. Personnel entrusted with clearance must strictly adhere to protocol, as unauthorized divulgence of classified information can have severe consequences.

An honorable mention is that some positions may require a polygraph test or other additional measures to ensure the confidentiality of the information you'd have access to. Also, remember that criminal history, substance use, certain mental health history, and other factors can affect eligibility for security clearance. In essence, they're looking for trustworthy individuals who pose no security risk. The process may seem extensive, but it's essential to safeguarding sensitive information.