Yankee White


Yankee White is an administrative nickname for a background check undertaken in the United States of America for Department of Defense personnel and contractor employees working with the President and Vice President. Obtaining such clearance requires, in part, a Single Scope Background Investigation which is conducted under the manuals of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Individuals having Yankee White clearances undergo extensive background investigation. The Yankee White clearance includes requirements of U.S. citizenship and unquestionable loyalty to the United States.

Policy and implementation

The initial directive detailing the checks required was DoD Directive 5210.55, "Selection of DoD Military and Civilian Personnel and Contractor Employees for Assignment to Presidential Support Activities" issued on July 6, 1977. This was revised on 15 December 1998. DoD Instruction 5210.87 contains detailed information for the implementation of the policy, assignment of responsibilities and prescription of procedures to be followed. The administrative nickname "Yankee White" is referred to in the implementing Instruction.

Clearance categories

There are three categories of Yankee White clearance.