What Not to Write on Your Security Clearance Form
3 days ago
- #FBI
- #security clearance
- #espionage
- Les Earnest and his friend Bob created a jargon code based on principles from the book 'Secret and Urgent' by Fletcher Pratt.
- They carried the code key on their persons, with Les hiding his in a glasses case.
- The glasses case was lost and found by a citizen who mistook the code key for evidence of Japanese espionage, leading to an FBI investigation.
- The FBI traced the glasses back to Les, who was only 12 years old, causing embarrassment and a costly investigation.
- Les later applied for a security clearance and initially disclosed the FBI investigation, but was advised to omit it to avoid complications.
- Les learned that certain provocative information could speed up clearance processes, hinting at another story.