SCHOOL THESIS

Manning and Edward Snowden. Public opinion is widely divided whether these two are
traitors or heroes. Known unauthorized disclosure instances are rare:
each known case very complex, and scientific research virtually
nonexistent, there is no well-established characteristic, psychological or
otherwise, that can serve as a reliable indicator of spying propensity….
While all spies may be dishonest, very few dishonest individuals are
spies. 394
If clearance processes were so stringent to detect individuals who may disclose
information, many innocent personnel could also be determined to be security risks.
The Defense Security Service (DSS) notes that background investigations are
missing critical information such as self-reported character flaws or misbehavior and
information contained in state and local criminal records. While current law requires this
information to be provided to an investigator, no action is taken against those states and
localities that do not comply. 395 This results in incomplete investigations that pave the
way for favorable adjudications and granting of security clearances that might otherwise
not have been granted. This happened in the case of Aaron Alexis, the Washington Navy
Yard shooter. While this was not a “disclosure” incident, Alexis was able to gain access
to a restricted area by virtue of his security clearance.
Recommendation 5
A commission led by the Office of Personnel Management should be formed to
look at improving security clearance processes. Additionally, there must be strict
enforcement of laws that grant clearance processors authority to access state and local
records.
Conclusion 6
Peer reporting rarely occurs. Personnel must understand and feel confident in
reporting requirements of suspicious behaviors or life-changing events affecting their
colleagues. This includes, but is not limited to, intention to marry a foreign national,
394 Ibid., 73–74.
395 Defense Security Service, Roles and Responsibilities for Personnel Security, 5–6.
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