>From http://www.intelligencecareers.com/news/cnbb_display_news.cfm?current_article=202 A security clearance cannot be privately applied for. You or your organization must hold a government contract that requires you to have a security clearance. The government will then sponsor, as necessary, appropriate background investigations to help you achieve a security clearance. More information about this process is provided below and comes from the Defense Security Service (DSS) website at http://www.dss.mil/aboutdss/faq.htm Christine M. Breen Senior Technical Specialist EROS Data Center Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57198 cbreen at usgs.gov (605)594-2782