What is the purpose of E.O. 10865?

The purpose of E.O. 10865, also known as the Executive Order on safeguarding national security information, is primarily to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of employees within the Department of Defense (DOD) and other agencies. This Executive Order was enacted to establish guidelines for screening and evaluating personnel who have access to classified information or vulnerabilities that could potentially affect national security.

By focusing on the reliability and trustworthiness of employees, E.O. 10865 plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring that individuals with access to such information have the integrity and judgment required to handle it responsibly. This includes examining an individual's background, behavior, and any potential risks that may impact their ability to perform their duties without compromising national security. The emphasis on trustworthiness is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of the systems and operations within government agencies tasked with national security responsibilities.

Other options either focus on unrelated aspects of employment, such as compensation or job roles, or on pension plans, which are not the essence of what E.O. 10865 addresses. Thus, the correct understanding of E.O. 10865 is centered on ensuring that agencies can rely on the integrity and reliability of their personnel.