Interim Security Clearance
Interim security clearance is a temporary security clearance for which an individual can be approved contingent upon the completion of a full security check. Interim security clearance is commonly referred to as interim eligibility, and there are two types of interim security clearance. The two types of interim security clearance are: secret and top secret. Individuals seeking secret interim security clearance will be processed more quickly than those individuals seeking top secret interim security clearance. If an individual is denied interim security clearance, the individual may be denied full security clearance.
The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) is tasked with the responsibility of determining whether or not an individual seeking interim security clearance is an acceptable security risk. DISCO is part of the Defense Security Services (DSS), which is an agency of the Department of Defense (DoD). An individual seeking interim security clearance must submit and application for security clearance to DISCO, and DISCO will either approve or deny the request based on the information contained in the application or any information that comes to light during investigative processes.
If an individual is denied interim security clearance, he or she may want to retain the services of an experienced security clearance attorney. An attorney can help the individual understand the security guidelines established by the DoD and assist the individual to more thoroughly complete their security clearance application. Because it is important to obtain interim security clearance, having the expert legal guidance of a qualified attorney can be invaluable.