Does Your Family Background Affect Your Own Security Clearance for the Military?

A large amount of information is necessary to determine one's security clearance. Family history is required for security clearance, and depending on the level of clearance required, the government can look into up to 10 years of your past.

Family History and Security Clearance

• Family history is examined during the application process for security clearance. It is part of the background check process. Depending on the level of security clearance required, the government may examine up to 10 years of one's past, including family life.

Family With Security Clearance

• It is important to note that having a family member with security clearance will not make your own investigation any shorter, nor will it influence the outcome of your security clearance investigation.

Relatives as References

• Though family history is checked when trying to obtain security clearance, relatives should not be used as references in any of the following sections of your security clearance paperwork: "Where You Have Lived," "Where You Went To School," "Your Employment Activities," and "People Who Know You Well."