How can I obtain a Top Security Clearance?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 May 2019 15:33:04 -0400

Need one to reclass but I dont know the steps to get one. If someone can enlighten me that would be great.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 6 at 2019 3:38 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 06 May 2019 15:38:04 -0400

See your retention NCO. He or she will have you fill out an SF 86. Be truthful on everything. It will be double and triple checked and investigated thoroughly.

After that you have to wait. Depending on how far back and how much they have to do will determine the length of time it takes.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 6 at 2019 3:52 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 06 May 2019 15:52:10 -0400

There is a computer system I believe it is called EQuip. In any case, your command has to support eligeability as it costs a great deal to complete. The reason they need to be supportive is they will be listed on the computerized document. If you are otherwise eligeable for the new MOS, they will likely support the transition. Then it is a matter of 6 months or so, + or - to complete, which can also impact your eligeability for the transition. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2019 4:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 May 2019 16:20:02 -0400

If the MOS you request requires one, and you meet all the other prerequisites for the MOS, your career counselor will provide you a memo to give to your S2. This memo is the justification required to initiate a clearance.
You only need an interim to attend training.
I assume you haven't talked to your career counselor about Reclass yet because they should have given you the memo.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 6 at 2019 4:37 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 06 May 2019 16:37:27 -0400

I was an Aviation Group S2. (An aviation battalion, group, or regiment TO&E does not include an M.I. officer, so it is filled by an Aviation Officer.) I was responsible for the security clearances of everyone in the group. The bottom line is that you clearance depends on your slot. In other words, you have to be in a Top Secret slot to receive a Top Secret clearance.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 6 at 2019 4:42 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 06 May 2019 16:42:20 -0400

Must be a different process for the Navy. I have undergone the Background check as a requirement for my assignment in the past to obtain my clearance and was given the forms to fill out. Never heard of instigating a Top Secret clearance at the request of the SM.

Response by PO1 John Pokrzywa made May 6 at 2019 4:55 PM

PO1 John Pokrzywa — Mon, 06 May 2019 16:55:28 -0400

If you have already separated, seeing the retention NCO or equivalent is useless information.
Best bet as far as I know, is to contact the employer you're interested in, and find out if they will sponsor your clearance. Some companies expect you to already have one, others will sponsor you from the start, but often pay a little less.
If you previously held a TS, also let your potential employer know, as it may make things easier for them, and therefore improve your chances.
Good luck!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2019 5:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 May 2019 17:56:49 -0400

You should get a memo from the NCO handling the reclass that justifies the need. Training can still go through with interim, but I believe if you can't get the clearance, you will revert to current MOS. Career counselor will have this info.

Get prepared now. They will go back at least 10 years, so gather your addresses and known acquaintances and jobs now to help expedite the process

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 6 at 2019 7:23 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 06 May 2019 19:23:05 -0400

Normally you must at least have orders to a position requiring a TS. After that your unit admin and security officer can help you with the application. The forms are all on line and the instructions are pretty clear. You’ll need 10 years or more of personal and professional history. Additionally you’ll need the full name and address of every living relative, including in-laws and “ex-es”. Also as much information as possible about any foreign nationals with whom you had anything more than the most passing of relationships. Good luck!

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made May 6 at 2019 8:55 PM

SSG Kasius McCall — Mon, 06 May 2019 20:55:26 -0400

Go to your S2.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 6 at 2019 10:10 PM

SGT Robert Wager — Mon, 06 May 2019 22:10:01 -0400

You will be given the information on how/when to initiate your clearance paperwork once you are under contract for the new MOS. If the clearance is required for the MOS the school will probably initiate the process or they will give your losing unit a memo to initiate the clearance process before your school date.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2019 10:48 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 May 2019 10:48:14 -0400

Become a 35f. They give you an interim to take the course.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2019 5:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 May 2019 17:43:17 -0400

Be prepared for it to take a year or more for a final decision on if your TS is granted.