Pentagon 9/11 Survivors Fear Seeking Counseling Could Jeopardize Clearance

The Baltimore Sun reported today that survivors of the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon fear that seeking counseling to help cope with the tragedy could jeopardize their security clearances.

There is survivor guilt and, among some, a painful recognition that the Defense Department did not, on that day, defend…. Some are afraid to seek counseling out of concern that it would jeopardize the security clearances on which their employment depends.

Clearance investigators and adjudicators may look for and consider evidence of psychological instability when making decisions to grant or renew clearance. You may read more about Adjudicative Guideline I: Psychological Conditions here.

The Sun story was also carried here by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Filed Under: Adjudication, Adverse Actions