There are a number of internet rumors out there about security clearances above Top Secret. And they’re just that – rumors. There are three basic levels of security clearance – Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. But within the government’s vast security program, there are a number of special access programs, security protocols – and obviously accompanying nicknames.
One of those is the Yankee White clearance. A yankee white clearance isn’t as much a separate background investigation as it is an administrative nickname for security clearances issued for specific offices serving the president and vice president. Think of it as a special suitability designation, rather than a separate security clearance.
If you need to obtain yankee white eligibility, expect an enhanced single scope background investigation, with more in-depth scrutiny and contact with your acquaintances, relatives, and people who have known you. The government wants to make sure anyone in close proximity to presidential secrets has full loyalty to the United States.
While you may find yourself with a yankee white, there’s no need to go posting it on your resume – what you really have is a TS/SCI security clearance – with some special yankee feathers in your cap.
Lindy Kyzer is the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? Learn more here.. @LindyKyzer
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of security clearances, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive research, firsthand experience, and a deep understanding of the intricate workings within the government's security programs. My expertise extends beyond the conventional levels of Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret clearances, delving into the realm of special access programs and unique security protocols.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:
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Basic Levels of Security Clearance:
- Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret: These are the standard levels of security clearance, each indicating the degree of sensitivity and confidentiality of the information an individual is authorized to access.
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Special Access Programs (SAPs):
- Definition: SAPs are highly classified programs that involve information or activities that require a higher level of security clearance than what is typically granted for Top Secret information.
- Implication: These programs go beyond the standard clearance levels, indicating a need-to-know basis for individuals involved.
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Yankee White Clearance:
- Nature: It is not a separate background investigation but rather an administrative nickname for security clearances issued for specific offices serving the president and vice president.
- Purpose: It serves as a special suitability designation, ensuring that individuals in close proximity to presidential secrets have unwavering loyalty to the United States.
- Eligibility Process: Involves an enhanced single scope background investigation with thorough scrutiny, including contact with acquaintances, relatives, and people who have known the individual seeking clearance.
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Yankee White vs. TS/SCI Security Clearance:
- Clarification: While holding a Yankee White clearance, individuals essentially possess a TS/SCI (Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information) security clearance, but with a special designation for those serving specific roles related to the president and vice president.
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Secrecy and Discretion:
- Caution: The article advises against publicizing the possession of a Yankee White clearance on a resume, emphasizing the need for discretion. This implies the sensitive nature of the information handled and the importance of maintaining a low profile.
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Source and Author Information:
- Author: Lindy Kyzer, the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com, is cited as the source of the information.
- Contact: Lindy Kyzer's contact information is provided for further inquiries or sharing of information related to security clearances.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of security clearances, emphasizing the existence and significance of special access programs like Yankee White clearance within the broader framework of government security protocols.
FAQs
Yankee White is an administrative nickname for a background check undertaken in the United States of America for Department of Defense personnel and contractor employees working with the president and vice president.
What disqualifies you from Yankee White clearance? ›
Any indication of dual loyalty or allegiance to another country, or involvement in activities that could compromise U.S. interests, can lead to automatic disqualification. Maintaining allegiance to the U.S. is crucial because those with access to classified information must prioritise the nation's security.
What are the 4 types of clearance? ›
The four main types of security clearances for national security positions are: confidential, secret, top secret and sensitive compartmented information. This type of security clearance provides access to information that could cause damage to national security if disclosed without authorization.
What is the highest level of security clearance? ›
How many types or levels of security clearance are there? There are three levels of security clearance, with the highest level being Top Secret. Secret is the next level of clearance and Confidential is the final. 6.
What is the hardest security clearance to get? ›
What is the highest security clearance you can get? The federal government provides three levels of clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret. Top secret clearance is the highest security clearance level anyone can get.
What is required for a Yankee White clearance? ›
Individuals with Yankee White clearance undergo extensive background investigation. The Yankee White clearance includes requirements of U.S. citizenship and unquestionable loyalty to the United States.
How much does it cost to get a Top Secret clearance? ›
The average cost to process a TOP SECRET clearance is between $3,000 and about $15,000, depending upon individual factors. The government pays the cost of clearances for military personnel and civilian government employees.
Is SCI higher than Top Secret? ›
Information "above Top Secret," a phrase used by the media, means either Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Program (SAP). It is not truly "above" Top Secret, since there is no clearance higher than Top Secret.
What is the top secret clearance? ›
For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.
What is a Level 5 top secret clearance? ›
Tier 5 (Former SSBI or Level 3) – critical sensitive national security position. This investigation makes the staff member eligible for a top-secret clearance. Tier 5+ (Formerly level 4) – a select designation for staff needing TS/SCI security clearances. Only a very select few positions are within this scope.
How much does a Top Secret Security Clearance make? As of Jul 20, 2024, the average annual pay for a Top Secret Security Clearance in the United States is $126,833 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $60.98 an hour.
What is the easiest security clearance to get? ›
National Security clearances range from confidential, which is the easiest to attain, to Secret, Top Secret, and SCI, which is the most challenging. Public Trust clearances are either low, moderate, or high risk, and Non-sensitive are the least extensive, requiring only criminal background and credit checks.
How valuable is a secret clearance? ›
The Value of Security Clearance in Today's Job Market
A security clearance significantly enhances your earning potential. According to a 2022 report by ClearanceJobs, individuals with active clearances receive an average salary premium of 10-20%.
What makes you ineligible for a security clearance? ›
You have been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years. You have a significant history of financial problems with heavy indebtedness and late payments (over 180 days), bad debts, fairly current tax liens, repossessions and garnishments.
What is the Yankee White background check? ›
Yankee White – An investigation required for personnel working with the President and Vice President of the United States. Obtaining such clearance requires, in part, an SSBI.
What excludes you from a security clearance? ›
According to the Bond Amendment which became law in 2008, there are technically four disqualifying criteria: criminal conviction resulting in a prison sentence over 1 year; dishonorable discharge from the military, criminal incompetence; or addiction to a controlled substance.
What automatically disqualifies you from a security clearance? ›
Full disclosure is paramount when applying for security clearances. Be honest about your background, including any potential disqualifiers such as criminal history, drug use, financial issues, or foreign associations. Attempting to conceal information or providing false details can lead to automatic disqualification.
