What is the minimum age required for eligibility for a personnel security clearance for confidential information per Department of Defense regulations?

The minimum age required for eligibility for a personnel security clearance for confidential information, as stipulated by Department of Defense regulations, is 18 years. This regulation reflects the requirement for individuals to be legally recognized as adults, capable of understanding the responsibilities and implications associated with holding a security clearance.

An individual must reach this age to ensure they can be held accountable for any disclosures of classified information and comprehend the potential ramifications of such disclosures on national security and personal legal standing. The age requirement serves not only to match legal adulthood but also establishes a standard that ensures maturity in handling sensitive information.

Clearances for individuals younger than 18 are not permitted primarily due to concerns about judgment and maturity, essential traits for managing confidential information. This is why options that list ages under 18 do not satisfy the Department of Defense's criteria.