I underwent an extensive FBI investigation when I was 21 years old.

[Totally Tunsie]

31. I had a similar situation when I was hired by a defense contractor in CA.

Had to fill out very extensive paperwork, asking questions regarding every phase of my life. During the time of the actual background check, I - along with all other new hires - sat in a barren airplane hangar outfitted with only folding tables and chairs for however long it took for the clearance to be approved. This period was known as "Deep Freeze", during which we reported daily as if for work and we received our full pay for virtually doing nothing. We were allowed to bring books and talk among ourselves, and were escorted to the cafeteria in a supervised group. In my case, clearance took four months due to the fact that my family's far removed background extended into Poland. The day a clearance comes through is as exciting as a graduation.

I heard from friends, neighbors, and former teachers in my hometown, 3,000 mile away, that the investigators had interviewed them all, and also went to others in the neighborhood who I did not know and did not name. The reason for these interviews was not disclosed to them, so it was a concern for many that I had somehow gotten myself into a federal mess. I had just married, moved across the country, and was just settling in. They were relieved when I gave them the explanation.

About 8 months later, I was again informed that I was being re-investigated, which was unknown even to me. It turned out I was being granted a higher clearance for a new assignment - Top Secret Special Access Required - and further information was necessary.

It was an interesting process to be sure. I'd certainly expect that this level of scrutiny would be applied to anyone being considered to be in charge of the major offices of our country. It still stuns me that the President, VP and members of Congress aren't required to have security clearances and undergo this type of investigation. They can do more damage to this country in an hour than I could in a lifetime.