Three Decades of Pretending Come to an End in a Military Holding Cell

“This isn’t a local credit problem anymore,” Major Thomas said.

“A civilian bank loan in arrears is a minor administrative flag.

A federal default this large means automatic, permanent revocation of your security clearance.”

I looked down at the metal table.

The military couldn’t promote an officer to Brigadier General without an active security clearance.

“If this federal loan defaults under my name, I lose my command,” I said.

“You’ll lose your career,” Major Thomas said.

“The promotion board will rescind the order on September fourteen.