u/rhshadowman

Already held an active Secret clearance and was submitted for an upgrade to TS/SCI.

Early June

• Fingerprints completed
• SF-86 submitted to the government

Mid-June

• NBIS tracker moved forward and SF-86 disappeared from the portal
• Credit pulled

Late June

• Investigator contacted me and requested additional references
• Subject interview lasted about 45 minutes
• Several references were contacted within hours of my interview
• Additional former coworkers/managers contacted a few days later

July

• Multiple references received DCSA QA surveys regarding their interviews
• FSO confirmed investigation was still underway
• Wife was contacted for a short 10–15 minute interview, mostly confirming where I had lived, gone to school, and worked

August

• FSO initially told me the investigation was closed and I was in adjudication, but the reported close date seemed inconsistent
• Later received confirmation that the investigation had officially closed in late August and the case was in adjudication

September

• DCSA granted TS/SCI eligibility 1 month in adjudication total.

Total time: roughly 4 months from employer submission to TS/SCI eligibility.

One interesting part was that the investigation status/close date seemed to change a couple of times depending on what the FSO saw in DISS.

How do yall afford fully loaded F250/F350s? Genuine question?

Last time I shopped for a truck, a fully loaded GMC 2500 was around 65-70K out the door (No sales tax, etc.)

Now I'm looking for a F350 and its $110K for a King ranch fully pimped out. Which seems absolutely insane to me.

Apparently even 1/2 Tons are even 80K in cost from Ford and GM. I def want to go with a Ford compared to my previous experience with GMC.

So the question is, how? How do yall afford it? I know I can afford it, but it seems like everyone has a $90K+ Truck?

Anyone here ever worked, or knew anyone that worked at defense unicorns?

Would love to hear some feedback, thoughts, etc.

Quite impressed with the mission/goals, currently looking due to increased family needs (benefits) and trying to explore what is best for me and my family.

Thanks!

When do y'all typically ask for a promotion or a compensation increase?

Only been here 6-7 months, however I have gained a degree, 5-6 additional certs, etc. To where I am also now a critical piece of my team as a contributor.

Currently a P4, not necessarily looking only for a title increase to P5, but more or less compensation increase due to all of the new credentials that I have obtained.

I'm too new to know when these conversations are typically had with manager or when yearly reviews occur. Any insights is appreciated!

Just as the title says. Passed the EX294, thought it was fairly easy for my first Red Hat cert.

Went back the next day to take the EX200, and for my exam 33% of my questions were from a category/topic that I have always struggled with.

So yes, the one thing I didn’t want to have show up, showed up the most. Quite sad, but in a few weeks I’ll brush up on that big portion and then come back and hopefully pass it.

Once I pass it, I’ll then be RHCE on my way to RHCA!

Can anyone tell me what it is like working in the Public Sector/Gov/Cleared side of OpenAI?

I'm very interested, however haven't found much information online.

Any input is appreciated.

I learned something new from my FSO.

Investigation closed end of June 2026, wife got contacted mid July 2026 asking questions about me by same investigator that did my interview.

I ask FSO for status update and they say I’ve been in adjudication since June.

So I guess it is possible for adjudicators to temporarily ask investigators to gather more info?

Either way just thought I’d share this interesting item.

Can anyone tell me what it is like working for NAPS for USG?

I’m very interested, have TS/SCI eligibility, however travel is my main concern.

Any input is appreciated.