Protect Your Security Clearance: How Character Reference Letters Can Make a Difference

Are you a federal employee, contractor, or service member facing security clearance challenges? 

My office routinely meets with personnel like you who have concerns about obtaining, applying for, or retaining their security clearance. When necessary my office will help the individual respond to their Supplemental Information Request, Statement of Reasons, or Letter of Intent to Revoke among other requests made by the federal government.

Over the years, my office has become well-versed in security clearance law and has hands-on experience with various security clearance issues. We represent clients all across the United States from California to Washington, D.C and our office is based out of Jacksonville, North Carolina right outside of Camp Lejeune.

Regardless of the security clearance issue, it is often beneficial to respond with character letters to illustrate the character of the security clearance applicant or holder. This allows the adjudicator to get a better understanding of who the applicant or security clearance holder is. In today’s post, Matthew Thomas Law, PLLC is here to let you know how a character reference letter and experienced representation can help you get the clearance you need to keep working.

The Whole Person Concept and Why Are Character Letters Important

The Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) procedures mandate an adjudicative process that evaluates the Whole Person Concept.  Below is an excerpt from the SEAD 4 that describes, the Whole Person Concept:

         “...a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk. Eligibility for access to classified information is predicated upon the individual meeting these personnel security guidelines. The adjudication process is the careful weighing of a number of variables known as the whole-person concept. Available, reliable information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, should be considered in reaching a determination. In evaluating the relevance of an individual’s conduct, the adjudicator should consider a myriad of factors concerning the applicant’s life.” 

In evaluating the relevance of an individual’s conduct, the adjudicator considers the following factors:

         1. The nature, extent, and seriousness of the conduct.

2. The circumstances surrounding the conduct, including knowledgeable participation.

         3. The frequency and recency of the conduct.

         4. The individual’s age and maturity at the time of the conduct.

         5. The extent to which participation is voluntary.

         6. The presence or absence of rehabilitation and other permanent behavioral changes.

         7. The motivation for the conduct.

         8. The potential for pressure, coercion, exploitation, or duress.

         9. The likelihood of continuation or recurrence.

Keep in mind that the adjudicator may not have had the opportunity to personally interview the applicant depending on the type of security clearance the individual is being investigated for.  When this is the case, the adjudicator has very little to evaluate the Whole Person Concept and therefore must rely on the negative aspects of the application that were the root of the security clearance concerns.  Even in administrative hearings, character letters are beneficial.  Administrative Judges frequently rely on and supplement their evidentiary findings based on the character letters provided by the applicant and their counsel.  This becomes even more important when a matter of a person’s life or character is at issue. 

Crafting Compelling Character Reference Letters for Security Clearance

While character statements are important, they should directly support your response strategy. Here are essential tips to guide you in writing effective character reference letters for your SOR or LOI:

Choose Wisely: Select references who have known you well and can provide detailed insights into your character during the period relevant to the security concerns raised. They should be able to articulate specific instances demonstrating your reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.

Don’t Use Family Members: While supportive, family members are inherently biased. Their statements, even if impartial, may not carry significant weight in adjudication. Focus on unbiased perspectives from individuals who can offer objective assessments of your character.

Less is More: Adjudicators and judges reviewing your case prefer quality over quantity. Limit your character references to a handful of individuals from various aspects of your life—personal, professional, spiritual—who can offer unique perspectives.

When crafting each character reference letter, ensure it includes:

• Clear identification of the reference's name, age, address, and occupation.

• Relationship to you and the duration of their acquaintance.

• Awareness of the specific security concerns outlined in the SOR or LOI.

• Concrete examples illustrating your reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment relevant to the concerns.

At Matthew Thomas Law, PLLC, we can assist you in strategizing and drafting persuasive character reference letters that support your security clearance application or response to a SOR. Our team has a track record of success in helping service members secure and maintain their security clearances.

Get Matthew Thomas Law, PLLC on Your Side Today

Don't go through the clearance process alone. Contact Matthew Thomas Law, PLLC, for experienced legal guidance and advocacy for military personnel in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for your security clearance.