Can evaluations under JEPES impact a service member's security clearance?

The impact of evaluations under JEPES on a service member's security clearance is significant, especially regarding negative evaluations. Security clearances are granted based on an individual’s character, trustworthiness, and reliability. Evaluations are a formal assessment of a service member’s performance and behavior which can directly influence these attributes.

When a service member receives negative evaluations, it may indicate issues such as poor judgment, inability to follow protocols, or a lack of accountability—all of which are critical factors in determining security clearance eligibility. During the clearance review process, the relevant authorities assess not only the service member's performance but also any potential risks they may pose, increasing the likelihood that a pattern of negative evaluations could lead to complications during clearance renewals.

This insight into the relationship between performance evaluations and security clearances reflects the military's standards for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining operational integrity, emphasizing that continuous evaluation is essential in assessing an individual's suitability for access to classified material.