How often must personnel undergo re-investigation for Top Secret security clearances?

For personnel holding Top Secret security clearances, the requirement for re-investigation is every 5 years. This schedule is established to ensure that individuals maintain their eligibility for access to classified information over time. The rationale behind this 5-year timeline is rooted in the need to ascertain any changes in personal circumstances that could impact an individual's trustworthiness or reliability. Factors such as changes in criminal history, financial stability, or foreign contacts can significantly affect security clearance eligibility, hence the need for periodic checks.

Regular re-investigation helps to mitigate risks associated with potential insider threats and enhances the overall integrity of the security clearance process. It is important to ensure that personnel remain in good standing throughout their tenure, particularly when they have access to sensitive information that could affect national security.