What is a common reason for security clearance revocation?

Engaging in conduct that indicates a pattern of unreliability is a common reason for security clearance revocation because security clearances are fundamentally about trust and reliability. Individuals holding security clearances are expected to demonstrate consistent behavior that aligns with national security interests and the expectations of their role.

A pattern of unreliability can manifest in various forms, such as repeated missed deadlines, inconsistent reporting, or other behaviors that raise concerns about an individual's judgment, integrity, or ability to follow established protocols. Such conduct can lead security officials to determine that the individual poses a potential risk, undermining the trust necessary for maintaining a clearance. These behavioral patterns signal that the individual may not be able to handle classified information responsibly, which is critical in roles with access to sensitive data.

While failing to maintain a security clearance renewal, having a criminal record, or not disclosing foreign travel can certainly impact security clearances, engaging in unreliable conduct directly pertains to the individual's ongoing actions and behavior, which can be seen as more indicative of their current reliability and trustworthiness. Therefore, this behavior is a strong basis for revocation when it suggests a long-term, problematic pattern rather than a singular event or situation.