Published: March 9, 2022
The conflict in Ukraine has brought forth opportunities for humanitarian and military assistance in all types and forms. While this is an admirable action, if you hold a security clearance and attempt to provide any aid to Ukraine, this is very likely to negatively impact your ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance under both Guidelines B and C of the security clearance adjudicative guidelines.
Under Guideline B of the security clearance adjudicative guidelines, the government is concerned with any potential for foreign influence, including contact with foreign nationals, that could create a heightened risk for foreign exploitation. First, there are reporting requirements which indicate that any foreign travel, aid, logistics, or other such activity must be reported to one’s security officer. This poses a major concern for anybody who holds a security clearance and is attempting to communicate with any Ukrainian officials in order to provide aid. Anybody who wants to provide aid to Ukraine could be put in a position of potentially exposing themselves to exploitation, inducement, manipulation, or pressure, which may conflict with the interests of the United States.
Guideline C of the security clearance adjudicative guidelines provides potentially disqualifying conditions in relation to participation in foreign activities, which includes serving the interests of a foreign person, group, organization, or government in any way that conflicts with the U.S. national interests. Additionally, providing any aid, including military aid such as logistics, equipment, or fighting for Ukraine in general, while possessing a security clearance would bring forth concerns under this guideline.
