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Matthew Thomas Law, PLLC
(910) 939-0263Jacksonville, NC · Washington, D.C.
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Insights & Guides

Security Clearance & Military Defense Blog

Practical guidance on security clearance defense, military admin separations, and DOHA hearings. No fluff. No sales pitch.

Your Rights in Military Administrative SeparationMilitary Defense
9 min read

Your Rights in Military Administrative Separation

At a Marine Corps administrative separation board, you have the right to counsel, remain silent, present evidence and witnesses, and appeal.

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SF-86 Drug Use Disclosure: What to Disclose and HowSecurity Clearance
8 min read

SF-86 Drug Use Disclosure: What to Disclose and How

The SF-86 is 136 pages. How you answer the drug-use questions can shape your clearance outcome more than the underlying conduct.

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NSA vs. DCSA: How Clearance Adjudication DiffersNSA Clearance
9 min read

NSA vs. DCSA: How Clearance Adjudication Differs

NSA adjudicates clearances internally under ICD 704 and ICPG 704.3 on a two-track system. DCSA cases go through DOHA. Appeals paths differ.

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NJP Rights for Marines: Accept, Refuse, and AppealMilitary Defense
8 min read

NJP Rights for Marines: Accept, Refuse, and Appeal

Article 15 gives Marines the right to refuse NJP and demand court-martial, the right to present matters in defense and mitigation.

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Marijuana, CBD, and Security ClearanceSecurity Clearance
8 min read

Marijuana, CBD, and Security Clearance

State marijuana laws do not override federal clearance standards, and the UCMJ governs military members regardless of state law.

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Security Clearance Revoked: What to DoSecurity Clearance
7 min read

Security Clearance Revoked: What to Do

A revocation is a preliminary adverse decision, not the final word. Industry cases have 20 days to respond; MIL/CIV cases often 30 to 60 days.

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Commonly Cited Disqualifying Factors for Security ClearancesSecurity Clearance
9 min read

Commonly Cited Disqualifying Factors for Security Clearances

SEAD 4 does not list automatic disqualifiers. It lists 13 adjudicative guidelines with mitigating conditions under each.

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Received a Statement of Reasons? Here's What to DoSecurity Clearance
6 min read

Received a Statement of Reasons? Here's What to Do

An SOR is not a final denial. It is the notice that starts the response clock. Industry cases have 20 days; MIL/CIV cases often have 30 to 60 days.

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What to Expect at a DOHA HearingDOHA Hearings
7 min read

What to Expect at a DOHA Hearing

DOHA hearings are for industry (contractor) clearance cases. MIL/CIV cases go through a different process, with the PSAB as the final authority.

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Military Administrative Separation: What You Need to KnowMilitary Defense
7 min read

Military Administrative Separation: What You Need to Know

MARCORSEPMAN governs the process. Service members have the right to counsel, the right to remain silent at the board, and the right to present evidence.

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Security Clearance and Financial Issues: Guideline FSecurity Clearance
8 min read

Security Clearance and Financial Issues: Guideline F

Financial issues are the most commonly cited factor in security clearance denials. Having debt does not end a case on its own.

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Adjacent to Camp Lejeune. Matthew works with service members, veterans, and cleared professionals at installations and federal agencies across the country.

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