What is a requirement for eligibility to access Special Access Programs?

To access Special Access Programs (SAPs), a key requirement is being discharged under honorable conditions. This criterion is essential because it reflects the individual's character and reliability. An honorable discharge typically indicates that the service member has met the standards of conduct expected by the military, which is crucial for maintaining the trust and integrity necessary for handling sensitive information.

Being honorably discharged ensures that the individual has demonstrated responsibility, discipline, and adherence to the regulations governing their service. In the context of personnel security, these qualities are vital, as individuals granted access to SAPs must be trustworthy and reliable, given the sensitivity of the information they will encounter.

While aspects such as advanced military training, lack of criminal history, and psychological evaluations might contribute to an individual's overall suitability for certain roles or responsibilities, they do not stand as fundamental eligibility requirements for accessing Special Access Programs as the honorable discharge does.