Who can grant, deny, or revoke personnel security clearances?

The authority to grant, deny, or revoke personnel security clearances lies primarily with the Secretary of Defense and the Component Secretaries. These officials are responsible for determining eligibility for access to classified information within their respective departments. Their decisions are based on evaluations of an individual's character, conduct, and adherence to various security policies and regulations.

This authority is established to ensure that personnel who have access to sensitive information meet the necessary standards of trustworthiness and reliability. The process typically involves a thorough background investigation and compliance with established guidelines, known as the Adjudicative Guidelines, which outline the factors considered in the clearance process.

In contrast, the other choices involve parties that do not have the formal authority to manage security clearances in the same manner. For instance, the President of the United States possesses significant authority over national security and defense matters but typically delegates the responsibility of clearances to the Secretary of Defense and Component Secretaries. Local security professionals may play a role in supporting the security clearance process by conducting preliminary screenings or managing security requirements within their organizations, but they do not possess the authority to grant, deny, or revoke clearances. Federal judges operate within the judiciary and do not involve themselves in security clearance decisions, as their role is not aligned with personnel security