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Does DoD Call People On the Reference Lists?

In various sections of the application process, we give reference to various people who know about us. Are these people contacted by Dept of Defense during the clearance process, with any questions about the applicant? Are we required to give heads up to these people, informing them to expect a call from DoD? Some of these people could be long forgotten and we don't want them to get surprised if DoD calls them. Can some one guide on the process please?

Public Comments

1. The process depends on what level of security clearance you are being considered for. At a minimum, a credit record and law enforcement checks will be done. If it is secret or top secret, then yes, not only will the references you have list be contacted, investigators will also attempt to develop sources not provided by you, but who may have some knowledge of your activities. It is best to list people who know you and remember you, but it is not always possible, such as a job you held long ago. It is a good idea to give people you listed a heads up.
2. YOU bet. They will contact them and get the REAL deal on you! Its best that you don't call them, the unconsidered answer to the investigator is usually the best answer
3. If the Job you have been recruited for requires a security clearance above confidential level, you can depend on the fact that the people you listed WILL be contacted. If the security level is sufficiently high, they will contact virtually anyone you have ever been in contact with for more than casual purposes. Those people can include: Friends, neighbors, current and former employers and teachers(as far back as they can locate them). You can certainly give the names on your reference list a call, but do tell them to answer all questions honestly.
4. To add to Curt's answer, they will even contact folks you don't have on your list such as your neighbors. At our last base 2 of our neighbors were up for some high security jobs. I didn't really know either one of them except in passing. But, the OSI was out interviewing everyone within 4 doors of their houses. Also, be aware of who you put down as a reference. We had a friend put down hubby and another friend of ours. Unfortunately for the kid, both guys were brutally honest about him, his work ethics, his attitudes, etc. Kid thought he was doing himself a favor putting down 2 SNCO's, but he forgot they also had integrity!