[Sooth2222]

Why do political appointees who no longer work for the government have security clearances and retired military don’t?

[Dr. Pritchett]

Security clearances are VERY EXPENSIVE. I think they all have their clearances until they expire in 5 to 10 years from the issue date. So their clearances are nice for getting their first job outside of govt, but they’re going to expire soon anyway and they have no NEED TO KNOW about any of their former assignments (even if they still have a clearance).

[Campion]

Why do political appointees who no longer work for the government have security clearances and retired military don’t?

Purely for the convenience of the government -- e.g., so their successors in office can consult, etc.

POTUS made the executive decision that Brennan keeping his clearance was not in the best interest of the government. (IMO, Brennan should never have gotten one in the first place, but I digress.) He is completely within his rights to do so for Brennan or anyone else, for any reason (or no reason) he pleases.

The media is just demonstrating their abiding stupidity with this tantrum.

[Svartalfiar]

Why do political appointees who no longer work for the government have security clearances and retired military don’t?

Most military people 1) don't have a clearance, and 2) don't attempt to use it when they get out. We're generally cleared up to secret, but you aren't issued your clearance unless your job requires it. For members that do hold a clearance, you do keep it when you get out, but unless you get a civilian job that uses it, you aren't going to access anything that needs it. Many administration officials will actual use theirs if they're called in to consult with incoming administration.

And, either way, you still lose your clearance when it expires (5 years for TS). Unless your new job pays for the cost of renewing it. These officials aren't keeping theirs indefinitely...