When it comes to the number of people who fill out security clearance forms each year, the figures vary depending on different factors such as the country, industry, and specific clearance level requirements. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Government Employees: In many countries, security clearance forms are predominantly filled out by government employees working in various sectors such as defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and other sensitive roles. The exact number of government employees obtaining security clearances annually can be substantial, often in the thousands or even hundreds of thousands depending on the size of the nation's workforce and security infrastructure.
2. Contractors and Consultants: Apart from government employees, security clearances are also obtained by contractors and consultants working with government agencies or in defense-related industries. These individuals often need access to classified information, and thus must fill out security clearance forms. The number of contractors and consultants seeking security clearances can add significantly to the annual figures.
3. Industry-Specific Clearances: Some industries beyond government roles require employees to obtain security clearances. Examples include companies in defense, aerospace, intelligence, nuclear energy, and technology sectors that deal with classified information or government contracts. The number of individuals filling out security clearance forms in these industries may vary widely.
4. Clearance Levels: Different clearance levels exist, such as Confidential, Secret, Top Secret, and specialized compartmented clearances. The number of people filling out security clearance forms can differ based on the specific clearance level they are applying for. Typically, the higher the clearance level, the fewer the individuals eligible to apply.
5. Renewals and Expansions: In addition to new applications, a significant portion of security clearance forms filled out each year involve renewals and expansions of existing clearances which may be required periodically or due to job transitions. These processes contribute to the overall yearly figures.
Given the numerous factors involved, it can be challenging to provide an exact number of people filling out security clearance forms each year. However, one can surmise that the collective sum of government employees, contractors, consultants, and industry-specific clearances likely amounts to several hundred thousand or even millions worldwide, depending on the country and specific circumstances.