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Security Clearance.

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SamDamon

Registered User
Security Clearance.

I haven't seen this topic mentioned much around here.

Being as all officer's must have a Top Secret clearance, what kind of experiences have y'all had with the process?
How long did it take? How many people did they contact?
Have you ever heard of someone who may have had indiscretions in their past that managed to "slip through"?

I'm asking because I will be applying to OCS. I have already confessed to smoking pot a handful of times...just wondering what the process is like from both sides. Those with nothing to hide -vs- those with something to hide.

Sam
 
Frumby

Frumby

Super *********
pilot
Super Moderator
First off, not all officers get Top Secret clearances. Generally, officers only get a secret clearance unless they work in a sensitive area. Not all aviators will get TS clearances!
The whole process takes about one year to a year and a half. They will contact everyone on your list and many who are not on your list. Generally, no one slips through the cracks(hopefully). You did the right thing by disclosing all your "indiscretions." Good question! Semper Fi! Frumby

Attack Pilot
Major USMC
 
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SamDamon

Registered User
Thanks Frumby.

Im glad you made a disctinction about offices only needing secret clearence. I have seen on other boards that they must have TS. But hearing it from someone who is there (you) carries more weight.

Follow up question:

Since most officers do not need TS only secret, is the secret clearence nearly as involved? Does that also take up to a year? DO they contact your friends and the people they suggest for secret too?

Does anyone here know anyne who may have had past indescretions (pot smoking for example) who was able to get secret or top secret?
Thanks.
S
 
Frumby

Frumby

Super *********
pilot
Super Moderator
For Marines and I don't think this holds true for Navy, all USMC officers have a secret clearance upon comissioning. Your background checks are not nearly as extensive but they do make some phone calls and do run a profile on you.
Don't worry, if the DOD disallowed clearances for people who pulled brainfarts in college, we wouldn't have a military not to mention a goverment. Look at that piece of crap that was in the White House for the last 8 years as a token example. Sorry, I forgot, he didn't inhale. You'll be fine.
Semper Fi! Frumby

Attack Pilot
Major USMC

Edited by - frumby on 12/07/2001 09:35:38
 
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unfUSN

Registered User
quote:
Security Clearance.

I haven't seen this topic mentioned much around here.

Being as all officer's must have a Top Secret clearance, what kind of experiences have y'all had with the process?
How long did it take? How many people did they contact?
Have you ever heard of someone who may have had indiscretions in their past that managed to "slip through"?

I'm asking because I will be applying to OCS. I have already confessed to smoking pot a handful of times...just wondering what the process is like from both sides. Those with nothing to hide -vs- those with something to hide.

Sam
 
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unfUSN

Registered User
Sorry... I wanted to say that if you have something to hide that they will find out. Trust me. Even if your only going for Secret... Be honest, or be ready to suffer the consequences.

I work with recruiters rightnow and pot isn't that big of a deal as long if its only a few times not like 50+... but anything more than pot is an automatic disqualification, i.e. (LSD, XTC,)

ENS Payne
 
EODDave

EODDave

The pastures are greener!
pilot
Super Moderator
ENS Payne,

I am glad you have so much trust in our friends in the DIS. I have some stories that would pin your ears back.

Dave
 
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unfUSN

Registered User
Its not that you cant lie and make it through, I've heard a few good stories my self, but if you get caught you can really screw yourself... I've seen that happen.

ENS Payne
 
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SamDamon

Registered User
EODDave
--are you saying that you have heard of people that maybe "bent the truth", or "left out important details" that got through the background check?
It seems like a dangerous game to me:
From what I understand, the investigators will speak to your references.(obviously, you can coach your first tier of references) But, then they ask your references for references on you....the further they get away from you, the more likely someone might say something that would screw you up.
...Is that the way it the interviews went for y'all?

It would really suck to quit your job, go to ocs, graduate, then get busted for fraudulent enlistment.

It seems that even if you don't have anything to hide, the process could be stressful...I mean, who knows what people could say about you.


Edited by - Samdamon on 12/17/2001 08:48:45
 
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Al

Registered User
Guys,

Just discovered your conversation about security clearances and I'm beginning the application process for OCS and the flight program. I'm filling out the intial form for the clearance and wondering if you pass this one, is there another level you're checked for down the road in flight training that's more extensive?

Is it really possible for you to be intially cleared and then "busted" later on? Do they continue to investigate you after you're accepted to the program?



Edited by - Al on 01/03/2002 14:45:00
 
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