One Step Forward

One of the reasons some soldiers suffering PTSD or other mental health condition (depression, for example) do not seek treatment is their concern for the effect it could have on obtaining or retaining a security clearance. Now treatment "strictly related to adjustments from service in a military combat environment" will not be counted against the applicant (i.e., you can answer "no" to the mental health treatment question.)

From the DoD today:

Questionnaire for Security Clearances Revised

The Department of Defense, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have approved revisions to question 21 on the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, Standard Form (SF) 86, regarding mental and emotional health counseling.

"Our people deserve the best mental health care we can provide without the fear of hurting their career in the long run," said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen. "It's time we made everyone in uniform aware that the act of reaching out for help is one of the most courageous acts -- and one of the first steps -- to reclaiming your career and future. All leaders must set an example by seeking help themselves and encouraging others to do so. Getting this question changed is a terrific first step."

Per direction of the secretary of defense, DoD components will immediately distribute the revised question 21 language for awareness and use by all DoD personnel completing the security clearance form.

Until a new SF86 is published by the OPM later this summer, the OMB has agreed to allow DoD members to use the revised version of question 21 with the current SF86.

For the text of the revised question, go HERE.