What are the three key components of a personnel security program?

The three key components of a personnel security program are screening, clearance, and continuous evaluation.

Screening refers to the initial assessment process used to evaluate an individual's background, qualifications, and suitability for access to sensitive information or environments. This step is critical in ensuring that individuals who are granted access have been thoroughly vetted to minimize risks.

Clearance involves the formal process of granting an individual the authority to access specific classified information or sensitive areas after they have successfully passed the screening process. It typically includes a thorough investigation conducted by security agencies to determine the individual's loyalty, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Continuous evaluation is an ongoing process that monitors individuals holding security clearances throughout their tenure. This includes regular assessments of their behavior and circumstances to ensure they remain suitable for access. Continuous evaluation helps to identify any potential risks in real-time and ensures that personnel security remains robust over time.

In contrast, the other options focus on elements that may support a personnel security program but do not encapsulate the essential and foundational components as effectively as screening, clearance, and continuous evaluation.