It was my understanding when I was in NAVSECGRU, that anyone in the Navy who was cleared for duty had an automatic SECRET clearance, because all military matters are considered to be classified as SECRET.
We allow foreign nationals to enlist in the military and some even apply for commissions. All have to undergo a background check. Since my dad and I had both worked in the nuclear power industry, basic background checks had already been performed and I got TSC clearance in 9-weeks.
As to this Egyptian fellow, he was very young when he came to this country and went through college and sought a commission. That’s all I know, and it is really not uncommon. I worked with an engineer from Nigeria, a naturalized citizen married to an American woman, and he was given a Navy commission and served in the Reserve.
When I went in in 62 before I got my citizenship, I too had a BG check run, but was only given a Confidential clearance. Once I got Naturalized, it was upgraded to Secret — but the BG investigations — both of them — were very detailed, and included folks in my old hometown in England.
Correct me if I’m wrong...but didn’t this security clearance thing become a major issue in the downfall of that gay New Jersey governor? That guy had hired his male “friend” as the New Jersey state terrorism expert...but the guy was Israeli and not a US citizen. The Homeland Security folks said “No” when he guy came in and everyone thought he was going to get a secret clearance....to attend their meetings. I would have some questions over him actually holding a clearance...unless he has US citizenship.
I’ve worked with several folks who were not US citizens...in the US military...and most of them did eventually have a secret clearance...although it took a fair amount of time to do the background checks.
Based on his comments...I’d be questioning his truthfulness and that alone would be enough to yank the clearance...in a normal situation. If these idiots are stupid enough to keep him around...it probably demonstrates the incompetence of our management team there.
Not everyone is cleared for secret. Upon entering, one gets a general clearance. It takes a HUGE amount of manpower to get SEC,TS, SCI clearances. Not every Joe Schmuckatelli needs it.