Security clearance is a valuable asset in today's job market with multiple pathways beyond military service. Jay Salters breaks down clearance levels, requirements, and how to strategically position yourself for clearance-eligible roles without sacrificing your career trajectory.

• Less than 2% of Americans have security clearance, making it a valuable credential for career advancement
• Three main clearance levels: Confidential (minimal risk), Secret (serious harm), and Top Secret (grave damage)
• SF-86 form requires extensive documentation of your entire life, including foreign contacts and financial history
• Honesty is critical—investigators verify all information through background checks and personal interviews
• Certifications like Security+ are prerequisites for many tech-related clearance positions per DOD 8140/8570 standards
• Common disqualifiers include dishonesty, unmanageable debt, recent illegal drug use, and undisclosed foreign relationships
• Search for jobs using terms like "ability to obtain clearance," "will sponsor clearance," or "clearance eligible"
• Alternative pathways include CyberCorp, Scholarship for Service, and various agency-specific apprenticeship programs
• Special programs for youth include NSA High School Work-Study Program, FBI Teen Academy, and GenCyber summer camps
• Strategic compromises like overseas assignments or temporarily accepting lower pay can help secure clearance opportunities

Visit actnowenducation.com to access Career Compass, which provides free resources for job seekers, including certification opportunities, resume builders, and a database of over 8 million jobs.

Jay Salters and the Act Now Education team provide free resources to help veterans and military spouses upskill, reskill, and find meaningful employment opportunities through their community of 77,000 members.

• Act Now Education offers a Career Compass platform with access to over 4 million jobs and resume optimization tools
• VertForce connects military community members with remote job opportunities at companies like CVS Health and Travelers Insurance
• PMP certification offers veterans a way to translate military planning skills into civilian project management careers
• Customs brokerage presents an opportunity for veterans with salaries ranging from $37,000 to $170,000+ depending on specialization
• Free certification programs available include CompTIA, Microsoft, Google Project Management, Salesforce, and Okta
• Service to Success hiring fairs connect military community members directly with employers seeking veteran talent
• Military mentorship programs like Mill Mentor and American Corporate Partners provide guidance for career transitions
• Act Now Education volunteers review applications manually to ensure resources reach legitimate military community members

Join the weekly Saturday sessions to access Career Compass and learn about new resources. Connect via LinkedIn to network with others in the military community and discover additional opportunities.

Veterans and military spouses can find meaningful employment through specialized job platforms and resources designed for the military community. We explore remote work opportunities, certification programs, and free training options that can transform your career path.

• VertForce offers remote positions specifically for military spouses and veterans, including opportunities with CVS Health, Intuit, and Travelers Insurance
• The National Labor Exchange platform houses 3 million verified jobs from trusted sources, with easy filtering by MOS code and veteran-friendly employers
• Intuit's 90-day tax bootcamp provides entry-level training with potential career progression to earn $75,000-$110,000 annually as an enrolled agent
• American Job Centers offer free employment services including resume assistance and connections with Local Veteran Employment Representatives
• Free Coursera accounts provide access to 12,000 courses and 27 professional certificates in IT, project management, cybersecurity, and healthcare
• The Hilton Honors program offers 100,000 points to qualified veterans traveling for job interviews, though requirements vary by state

Register for free career resources at jobsvertforceus and create an account on the National Labor Exchange at usnlx.com to start exploring opportunities today.