I will be commissioned this summer, and still don't know when I will actually be going to TBS. However, my clearance request is just now getting processed, and I don't know if it will be completed by the time I go. If it doesn't get completed by then, will I be held up in training or given the boot as a result, or will they accept that the investigation is pending? Any guidance would be appreciated.
No, you are good to go. As long as what you said is correct, that you submitted the clearance request, and it is showing up in JPAS/JCAVS as being processed... you can be granted an interim clearance after your commission by your commanding officer. Now, if any derogatory information comes back or an LOI from DONCAF, that interim can get pulled.
Everyone gets confused about the terminology, you fill out your SF86 via the online program e-QIP. It is reviewed for completeness by the organization that had you fill it out, and forwarded to an investigating agency. That agency sends its completed package to DONCAF for adjudication based on the findings.
- Eligibility: DONCAF grants an eligibility for a clearance level, based upon the particular investigation you got NACLC, SSBI/PR.
- Clearance: Your command grants you the clearance level it deems appropriate for you to do your job, additionally based on your eligibility.
- Access: What material the command lets you work with at your clearance level.
DONCAF relies heavily on input from the Commanding Officer, and especially reporting any changes throughout your career that impact your clearance eligibility. Indebtedness (not paying bills on time, or overextended/bankruptcy) and trustworthiness being two of the biggest factors that will have your eligibility for a clearance removed in a heart beat.