What type of behaviors are primarily assessed in national security background investigations?

In national security background investigations, the primary focus is on assessing illegal and other noncompliant behaviors. This is crucial because such behaviors can impact an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to safeguard classified information. Investigators look for conduct that could indicate a willingness to violate laws or established guidelines, which is critical in evaluating an individual's suitability for access to sensitive information.

By identifying and assessing noncompliant behaviors, security professionals can determine potential risks that may compromise national security. This encompasses not only illegal activities, such as criminal behavior, but also other actions that may not align with expected ethical or security standards, such as substance abuse or financial irresponsibility.

While legal behaviors, personal hobbies, and work-related behaviors may offer context about an individual, they do not directly address the specific threats or vulnerabilities that illegal and noncompliant behaviors present in the realm of national security. Therefore, the assessment is centered on behaviors that have a direct impact on national security interests, emphasizing the importance of thorough and comprehensive background checks.