A Lesson in Politics: SF86
Since the Inauguration of the Puppet President, we’ve been hearing about this document called a SF86. We heard about it with Michael Flynn. We heard about it with Jeff Sessions. We heard about it with Jared Kushner. But what is it?
Why do I need to know what an SF86 is? I’m not applying to work in the White House.
A lot of 45’s folks filled out this form, as one does when asked to work in the White House, but left off crucial information like meeting with Russian lawyers and contacts during the campaign. Jared Kushner is the major recurring character here, as he has the most access to Donald Trump of everyone mentioned above. He’s resubmitted his SF86 multiple times… because he keeps leaving off information and contacts and meetings… and the last time he resubmitted his SF86, he named over 100 foreign contacts he had prior to taking his position in the White House.
Jared Kushner still holds his position in the White House. HE STILL HAS A SECURITY CLEARANCE. He should not have been granted access or a security clearance with the sheer number of “omissions” on his form. He originally scapegoated, blaming his assistant… but if one thing is clear from what literally anyone ever has said about the SF86 is that you need to fill out the damn form yourself.
They are difficult to fill out, there’s no question about it. However, there’s no excuse for Kushner’s inability to fill it out accurately the first time. If he was having trouble, all he needed to do was Google “SF86” and he would see that every government agency that deals with this type of form and a number of major defense and national security contractors provide guides and tips on how to fill it out. Or, you know, he could have consulted White House Counsel. That would have worked, too.
So… what is this form?
Standard Form 86 (commonly referred to as SF86) is a required form for both civilians and military personnel applying for positions that would give the individual any access to national security information. The form itself says its purpose is for “background investigations, reinvestigations, and continuous evaluations of persons under consideration for, or retention of, national security positions as defined in 5 CFR 732, and for individuals requiring eligibility for access to classified information under Executive Order 12968. This form may also be used by agencies in determining whether a subject performing work for, or on behalf of, the Government under a contract should be deemed eligible for logical or physical access when the nature of the work to be performed is sensitive and could bring about an adverse effect on the national security.”
(You can download the blank form yourself here. It’s 127 pages long and endlessly fascinating.)
Providing information is voluntary, however the form does state that without full information, they will be unable to conduct a full investigation on you. Another section of the form outlines the penalties for inaccurate or false statements:
“The U.S. Criminal Code (title 18, section 1001) provides that knowingly falsifying or concealing a material fact is a felony which may result in fines and/or up to five (5) years imprisonment. In addition, Federal agencies generally fire, do not grant a security clearance, or disqualify individuals who have materially and deliberately falsified these forms, and this remains a part of the permanent record for future placements. Your prospects of placement or security clearance are better if you answer all questions truthfully and completely. You will have adequate opportunity to explain any information you provide on this form and to make your comments part of the record.”
Basically, lying or omitting information is a felony. The SF86 is a permanent record. If you have any concerns with something you put on the form, you can explain yourself during the personal interview. The form is very clear in its instructions — tell us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth on this form. The government values being told the truth. Revealing the details of your past, even the ones you never want to see the light of day, show the investigators responsible for reviewing the SF86 forms that you can’t be easily bribed or coerced into giving information. Which, you know, is something that should be desired in folks who are going to handle classified information daily.
Other people have successfully filled out a SF86…
Everyone (prior to 45’s administration) who has talked about the SF86 form have all agreed that honesty is the best policy. Alyssa Mastromonaco, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for President Obama, talked about her experience filling out the SF86 form in her book Who Thought This Was A Good Idea? After filling out the SF86 form, you have a meeting with an FBI agent to review your answers and they ask any questions that they anticipate will raise flags farther along in the process. Mastromonaco details her personal experience, specifically around her honest reporting of her use of marijuana. As she said, “I grew up listening to the Grateful Dead in upstate New York in the 90s. I went to the University of Vermont. What do you think my answer was?” What is important about this anecdote is that she told the truth — and because of it, she was cleared for her position in the White House.
Dan Pfeiffer, former Senior Advisor and Director of Communications for the Obama Administration, talked about the SF86 process on Twitter.
Susan Hennessey points out that in order to submit the (now online) form, you have to click through a dialogue box or enter your password TWENTY EIGHT TIMES. Which means Kusher could not have submitted this form “by accident” as he originally claimed.
TL;DR
The SF86 is an important document that anyone working in the government who would go near national security information has to fill out. It’s insane that so many in 45’s circle filled out their forms incorrectly. It’s even more insane that they all left off the same information. Nonetheless, the SF86 is an important form and it is crucial in the investigation into 45 & Co.’s relationship and dealings with Russia. Keep an eye on the news, folks.
