Free Guides & Tools

Security Clearance Guides & Tools

Practical, plain-language guides for navigating the federal security clearance process — written from firsthand experience by a retired 25-year CIA officer. Free to read, no sign-up required.

Security Clearance Guides

Practical, plain-language guides on navigating the federal security clearance process — written by a retired 25-year CIA officer.

SF-86 Checklist

5 Things to Know Before Submitting Your SF-86

What to gather, what must be disclosed, common mistakes that sink applications, and what to expect after you submit.

Polygraph FAQ

Federal Full-Scope Polygraph: 12 Common Questions Answered

What the exam covers, how long it takes, what DI and NDI mean, and how to approach it — from someone who has taken it many times.

Mitigation Guide

Security Clearance Issue Mitigation Guide

Based on SEAD 4 guidelines. Covers financial issues, drug use, alcohol, mental health, criminal conduct, and foreign influence.

Marijuana & Clearances

Marijuana and Your Security Clearance (2026 Update)

What the 2026 rescheduling did — and didn't — do. Current use vs. past use, the Bond Amendment, and how past use gets mitigated under Guideline H.

Articles

Looking for our articles?

In-depth articles on NFA gun trusts, suppressor ownership, ATF rule changes, firearms estate planning, and security clearance topics now live on the Articles page.

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