# security clearance hangover

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-hangover/818473>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 23, 2018, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-hangover/818473 "2018-07-23T20:21:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-hangover/818473/21 "2018-07-24T16:44:35Z")

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I held a Nato Secret clearance during my military service. My “need to know” didn’t put many classified documents across my path though. I believe the only one I actually got was already pretty much moot by the time I got to it, since I’d had a weeks vacation and the mission involved was public knowledge by the time I was back handling coms.

Did learn that the next level up for NATO is Cosmic Top Secret, which is hilarious.

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**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-hangover/818473/22 "2018-07-24T16:56:25Z")

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As many others have noted, this is all a diversionary tactic. No one (that I’ve heard of, anyway) is alleging that any of these people have released any classified information or even implied that their opinions are based on info not publicly available. Other than losing the ability to seek advice on classified matters from career intel people, what’s the big deal? Does anyone really think that anyone in the current administration would do so, anyway? Trump is the boss of the playground and he is thinking about banning certain kids who don’t play there. Stay focused, people.

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**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\
**Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-hangover/818473/23 "2018-07-24T17:07:26Z")

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> [@Falchion](#):
>
> But, according to [this article](https://news.clearancejobs.com/2018/07/24/security-clearances-for-former-white-house-officials-were-doing-it-wrong/) (which is opinionated, but seems non-partisan and balanced), former directors of National Intelligence and the CIA get daily access to intelligence materials. Presumably this includes Brennan, Clapper and Hayden.

The assertion in that article that these individuals have “daily” access to finished intelligence is disputed by Michael Hayden: [https://twitter.com/GenMhayden/status/1021488878337839104](https://twitter.com/GenMhayden/status/1021488878337839104)

> [@](#):
>
> I dont go back for classified briefings (although they occasionally ask me in to offer a view on something). Won’t have any impact on what I say or write.

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