WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BCMR AND DRB?

Military members who have been administratively or punitively separated and receive General (Other Than Honorable), Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC), Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) or Dishonorable characterizations of service are often told that they can just get it upgraded later.  While it is true that you can petition for an upgrade in characterization of […]

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Category: JAG Defense Blog

SHOULD I RETAIN AN ATTORNEY TO ASSIST WITH THE SF-86, DISCLOSURES, SIRs AND SORs?

When you receive a job offer contingent upon a security clearance or join the military, you will be asked to complete an SF-86 if you don’t already have an active clearance sponsored by the same agency.  If you are required to make any disclosures of derogatory information, it is advisable to consult an attorney regarding […]

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Category: JAG Defense Blog

WHAT IS “CLOSE AND CONTINUING CONTACT” WITH FOREIGN CONTACTS?

The SF-86 asks if, “if you have, or have you had, close and/or continuing contact with a foreign national within the last seven (7) years with whom you, or your spouse, or legally recognized civil union/domestic partner, or cohabitant are bound by affection, influence, common interests, and/or obligation?”  This question can be confusing because “close […]

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Category: JAG Defense Blog

May 2024

Navy E-6 Special Court-Martial, NS Norfolk, VA Result: Full Acquittal

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Category: Recent Results

April 2024

Civilian Contractor Security Clearance Adjudication following 3 DUIs Result: Favorable Adjudication from Department of Hearings and Appeals (Clearance Retained)

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Category: Recent Results

CAN I USE DELTA-8 PRODUCTS WHILE SERVING IN THE MILITARY?

Although Delta-8 products can be found readily available for purchase at convenience stores and smoke shops, the legality of the substance varies greatly state to state.  Further complicating matters, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 legalized hemp-derived products, including Delta-8, at the federal level.  Hemp products like Delta-8 are supposed to contain THC levels of […]

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Category: JAG Defense Blog

March 2024

Air Force E-7 Special Court-Martial, Minot AFB, ND Result: Full Acquittal

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Category: Recent Results, Uncategorized

February 2024

Navy O-3 Board of Inquiry, NSA Naples, Italy Result: No Misconduct, Retain

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Category: Recent Results

January 2024

Navy E-7 Administrative Separation Proceedings, NS Norfolk, VA Result: Allegations Withdrawn Prior to Board Hearing, Sailor Retained

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Category: Recent Results

CAN I GET A CLEARANCE WITH PREVIOUS MENTAL ISSUES?

Like most things related to security clearances, the answer is:  It depends.  The SF-86 questions relating to psychological and emotional health were updated in 2016 to align with the recognition that receiving necessary mental health care is a good thing.  There are no conditions or treatments relating to mental health that will automatically disqualify an […]

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Category: JAG Defense Blog