Receiving a Statement of Reasons (SOR) can feel overwhelming—but what you do next is critical. Once you acknowledge receipt, the clock starts ticking. You are given a limited window to respond to the allegation(s), and failing to submit a timely response is treated the same as not responding at all. This is not a process […]
Read moreFor professionals whose careers depend on holding a security clearance, the cost of losing that clearance can be far greater than the cost of hiring experienced legal counsel. A denied or revoked clearance can jeopardize your current employment (or job offer), future employment opportunities, military career, or ability to work on government contracts. Engaging the […]
Read moreIn many circumstances, the answer is yes. If you are having to disclose potentially derogatory information or if derogatory information has been discovered about you, working with an experienced security clearance attorney will significantly improve your chances of obtaining or maintaining a clearance. Just as importantly, the earlier you involve counsel in the process, the […]
Read moreThe eApp was implemented on 1 October 2023 as the primary system to replace the eQIP for completing the SF-86 in federal employment. The new portal has brought some useful features like autosave, timeline continuity, definitions/acronym explanations, and address verification. Additionally, the system offers intuitive question branching, such that applicants are only directed to questions […]
Read moreThe SF-86 requires the disclosure of employment activities (including periods of unemployment) going back ten (10) years. It is not surprising that basic information about the employer, position, and supervisor is required, but so too is detailed information about the reason(s) for leaving that employment activity. The investigators are looking for patterns of behavior that […]
Read moreOn 5 March 2026, DCSA announced a new interactive tool that allows individuals to track the status of past or current investigations, communicate directly with agency personnel, and securely self-report information. This platform is meant to align with the Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative to modernize and improve the efficiency of federal personnel vetting by providing […]
Read moreA security clearance suspension is different than a denial or revocation. It is an interim decision made when the government or agency becomes aware of derogatory information that raises questions as to the clearance holder’s current ability to protect national security information. Examples of incidents that could trigger a clearance suspension include a positive drug […]
Read moreReceiving mental health treatment alone is not a reason to deny or revoke a clearance, and often it is a failure to seek and adhere to effective treatment plans that results in eligibility issues. When derogatory information about your mental health has been discovered by investigators that could impact your clearance, either because it was […]
Read moreOn 27 January 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14183, Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness. On 26 February 2025, the Under Secretary of Defense issued additional guidance on implementation of the policy. The stated rationale is that the “medical, surgical, and mental health constraints … [associated with] gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental […]
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Grover H. Baxley is the founding attorney of JAG Defense. As a former member of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Mr. Baxley now provides highly experienced representation for military members in all branches of service all over the world.
Army E-4 was charged with possession of child pornography and was facing the possibility of 10 years confinement, a dishonorable discharge, and a sex offender registration. At his Article 32 hearing, our knowledgeable cross-examination of the government’s forensic computer expert highlighted the government’s inability to prove that our client ever viewed the files of child pornography that were found on his computer. As a result, the government WITHDREW AND DISMISSED the charge against our client.
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