§832 Full Field Investigation and Appraisal

Summary

People cannot be hired, detailed, or assigned to the Agency unless they have had a full field investigation and are cleared to see classified information. A person can be given a conditional job without access to sensitive cryptologic information while the investigation finishes, if the Secretary allows it. The Secretary can skip the full investigation if the person already has a current, equivalent security clearance. In wartime, during a declared national disaster, or in other rare cases when the Secretary writes that it is needed for the national interest, temporary employment and access to classified information can be allowed while the check is completed. The Director must set up one or more appraisal boards of three members each to help decide doubtful cases about loyalty and fitness for classified access. The boards review those cases and send reports and recommendations. Boards are not required before certain personnel actions under sections 7512 and 7532 of title 5. Each board member must be trained, have had a full field investigation, and be cleared before appointment. No one may be cleared against a board’s recommendation unless the Secretary writes that it is in the national interest.