Expert: Rod Powers - 10/15/2007

Question
Hello,


I'm an active duty US Marine and I am now realizing that I have some PTSD symptoms. I deployed to Fallujah, Iraq for 12 months early 2006. I have become almost anti-social and very nervous, almost like obsessively nervous about stupid things. I used to be fine talking to people, now I feel very nervous and turn bright red when talking to people. I don't know how that all started but I remember feeling close to death every day for about 12 months in Fallujah.

I want to go to BAS and get that documented to get help but I am afraid of losing my security clearance.

So here's the question I'm concerned about: I have an active secret security clearance. Will I lose my clearance if I report that I have PTSD symptoms and need some help dealing with them? I will lose my MOS if I don't have a secret clearance... I don't know what to do.

Thank you sir,


Semper Fi,

Joseph

Answer
Hi Joseph,

Not necessarily. One loses their security clearance if there is a conditon that makes them a security risk.

The *primary* reason that one might lose their security clearance is for (1) dishonesty, (2) serious financial problems, (3) conviction of criminal offenses, either via Article 15, court martial, or civilian court.

If you seek treatment for your symptoms, your commanding officer is going to (ultimately) be the one to determine whether or not your security clearance should be temporarily suspended, or permanently revolked.  From what you've explained, I don't see that happening. Being "anti-social," is not a security risk.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com