I have to say this thread is entertaining. Even talking to my local security focal will have your head spinning as to what will or will not get your credentials issued or revoked, for US citizens. All I can say is it depends on people involved in the specific situation, interviewer and interviewee.

I was never in the military but have worked on or around both civilian and military aircraft my entire career. Funny thing is I still had to sign up for the Global Entry program to get access to the Pre-TSA line even though I hold a DOD clearance level. I find it somewhat remarkable that just because you travel for a living you become trusted to do no bad. I suspect (no proof) the airline industry has the biggest influence on what changes are made to please the flying public. Especially when it comes to things like Pre-TSA, Global Entry, or similar programs used to control the influx of people entering or leaving a country at the airport. Now my Delta boarding pass tells me ahead of time I get to walk around with the elites when I enter the airport security line.

Don’t get angry if you get denied the glory of acting like an elitist at the airport, in time it will change. Hopefully back to the somewhat carefree days of air travel in the past when you had a much higher chance of sitting on board an aircraft about to be hijacked or skyjacked as they sometimes call it (especially for the international traveler).

Back in the mid 1980’s I remember your family could actually wait with you in the gate area and watch your plane as it is pushed away, or in some cases power back from the gate. The airline passengers were treated great most of the time. Check-in counter and security lines seemed like a breeze to use. Although I remember seeing signs in the St. Louis airport security lane reminding people to not even joke about bombs on airplanes. Yes sir, the good ole days.