Dear A1,

Most firearms federal checks will not be held beyond a certain time period unless they are refused for just cause.  An example, if you legally purchased a gun and they had no reason to stop you, your record of gun purchase is normally suppose to be "expunged" within one week.  If you were a felon or had another significant problem which stopped the purchase, such purchase attempt would go on permanent record.

This has been a specific problem of concern of gun enthusiast that the federal government would be keeping a "register" of guns purchased on all citizens. It would be seen as an infringement of Second Amendment rights and would allow the government to "seize" such weapons in the future ( and know exactly who has how many).   

I have become more liberal in my older years and believe that law abiding citizens have the right to purchase and bear arms.  The criminals will get guns despite whatever laws are created.  I am not afraid of a law abiding citizen purchasing weapons.

Regards.

Fair Chance:  Thanks for the help!

By the way, would a background investigation reveal federal records on firearms purchases?  Would this cause concern(and possible denial) with regards to getting a security clearance?

Dear A1,

1).   Most Agencies stress that "past behavior and performance is presumptive indicator of future performance."  This is fancy speak for stating that who you associated with and what you have accomplished (or screwed up) is indicative of your future behavior.

If the information revealed negative items concerning indirect dealings with family members or coworkers, the current frame of reference in the intellegence circles is to deny clearance if there are enough acceptable applicants without any such issues.  It hurts to say it but if there are other more acceptable applicants, yours will be denied.

Denial of a Top Secret Clearance or Secret Clearance normally requires significant proof that you acted inappropriately or had knowledge of people who were known to act inappropriately (and did not take corrective actions to disassociate yourself with those person, i.e. "looked the other way"). 

2.) When the circumstances which required the denial of the clearances have signifcantly changed for a prolonged period of time, re-examination of a security clearance would be appropriate.

Regards.

Two questions:

1. If one were denied a Top Secret clearance because of information revealed in one's background interviews(from family, coworkers, etc.), could that person get a Secret clearance, or would that person be unable to get any clearance at all?

2. If one were denied a Top Secret or Secret clearance, when is the soonest one would be able to "re-apply" for a clearance?