Security Clearance 'Question 21' Eliminated

Having been in the past investigated for a security clearance, and used as a reference for others seeking a security clearance, I can personally attest to it being a somewhat wacky process (but in the end, much, much less scary and typically not as intrusive as those outside the world of security might fear). This week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates at least made it a tad bit more sane, quite literally. As the Washington Postreports:

*Gates said the security question -- which he referred to as the "infamous Question 21" -- has been an obstacle to care, and he urged service members to get help for mental health problems. "You can be tough and seek help for dealing with these problems," he told reporters. *

*The change will apply not only to military and civilian employees of the Defense Department but also to all applicants for security clearances. *

*The new policy revises the 21st question on the SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions. The revised form allows applicants to respond "no" as to whether they have sought mental health care over the past seven years, if that care was not court-ordered and was "strictly related to adjustments from service in a military combat environment." *

*Previously, military personnel and others applying for the clearance who had sought treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression and other reactions to combat stress had to answer "yes" and provide details of who conducted the treatment. *

*About 2.5 million of the 3.1 million defense personnel have security clearances. Only a small percentage of applicants were denied clearances for mental health problems, military officials said. They cited data for 2006 showing that only about 75 out of 800,000 applications were rejected for that reason. *

Last year, a report by the Army's inspector general found that soldiers were hesitant to seek treatment because they worried about losing their security clearances. "The perception was much more an issue than the reality of the situation," said Lt. Col. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman.

In other words, Gates' decision removes a question that didn't substantively add much, if anything, to security, while encouraging people to get mental health care help they might need. The next big step could be to reform the security clearance process in a way that doesn't discourage much needed experts in Arabic language/culture to work in the world of national security.