(Sorry if this appears twice, I posted it and it didn't pop up on the board...)

Quick question:  What is the clearance policy for infidelity when you're not married?  I'm in a long-distance relationship, with a girl (we're not married or engaged), and had, shall we say a few lapses in my fidelity.  (Not seeing someone for weeks on end can grow trying...) 

I haven't disclosed this to her, (for obvious reasons) but I can tell you right now that if Al Qaeda found out and tried to use that information to get me to divulge secrets, I would not hesitate to fall on my sword.  Ending a relationship may suck, but it's nothing compared to betraying your country, and facing an espionage trial, right? 

So a couple of questions: Would this sort of thing get me denied for clearance?  Would they make me disclose to my gf? 

And a broader question:  Where do they draw the line between simple "embarrassment" or "inconvenience" and "susceptibility to blackmail?" 

Thanks for your answer, and for your informative website.  This forum really is a great service to anyone applying for a clearance!

That's not a standard question but, it was nonchalantly to me while we were taking a break from the standard questions. Don't forget, you are still hooked up to the machine when the interrogator, whoops, I meant interviewer, is shooting the shit with you. I don't think they will run out and tell your wife/GF but, I suspect that alot of agencies think this is a supposed blackmail issue. Just be honest, you can't lose a clearance over that.