Security threats are growing, and there is high demand for security professionals to work across the spectrum of security functions, from physical and personnel security to cybersecurity. Professional associations are a critical part of attracting and training the next generation of talent. NCMS is a non-profit professional security society, and they’re gearing up for their annual seminar taking place in Nashville June 10-13. ClearanceJobs sat down with Stevie Dahl, NCMS board member and co-chair of the seminar planning committee. She discussed what to expect from this year’s seminar, including keynote speakers Tracy Walder and John F. Edwards, and David Cattler and Matthew Redding with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. From keynotes to networking and professional development, the NCMS Seminar has a lot to offer the security profession.
In the second half of the show, Lindy Kyzer and Sean Bigley of ClearanceJobs discuss the growing issue of marijuana use for security clearance applicants. As the government heads towards a possible change in how marijuana is scheduled, security clearance holders should be wary of jumping straight into drug use before ensuring they are on the right side of the law. Growing denials and revocations demonstrate that for the government, it’s still ‘just say no’ until law has caught up with societal norms.