How do i know if I'm eligible for a TS?

2020-06-23T05:59:10-04:00

I see several jobs posted to clearance jobs and other IT websites that requires a Secret with TS/SCI eligible. Never having a TS in the past 10 years how do i know if I'm eligible or how do i become eligible before the check?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 23 at 2020 9:51 AM

2020-06-23T09:51:08-04:00

Big Army isn't going to pay for a TS clearance unless you are assigned, or are going to be assigned, to a duty position that requires a TS clearance.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jun 23 at 2020 10:30 AM

2020-06-23T10:30:10-04:00

In the recent past, civilian employers weren't eager to take on employees for high security jobs unless they already had an active TS/SCI clearance. If you have no derogatory information in your background, you should have no problem passing the SBI. Flags: drinking, gambling, debt, marital disharmony.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2020 10:33 AM

2020-06-23T10:33:08-04:00

It's hard to say. Some basics for you. While marijuana is still illegal federally, it is NOT a disqualifier as long as you were not a habitual user. Basically this means did you try it once? As long as you're honest about it, you could be OK. Any other illicit drug usage, to include misuse of prescription medications will disqualify you. Any criminal history, will likely disqualify you and excessive traffic violations/fines can be a disqualifier as well.

A lot of it will depend on your honesty while undergoing the background investigation (currently running about 18 months for contractors) and the opinions of the investigator and adjudicator.

If you are otherwise qualified, apply.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2020 11:01 AM

2020-06-23T11:01:33-04:00

Let me Clarify,

I had a secret already and in the process on renewing. How can I become TS eligible so I can apply for a job that at minimum requires me to be TS eligible.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Jun 23 at 2020 11:11 AM

2020-06-23T11:11:05-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Easiest way to do it, change MOS's that require a TS Clearance. It costs the government big bucks for TS clearance. So if your job does not require it, well you will have to settle for Secret. I only reason, I got to keep mine was because I already started the renewal process when I left WHCA. Now that I am in a position that does not need it the next time round I will go back to secret.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 23 at 2020 12:36 PM

2020-06-23T12:36:45-04:00

Why would it say requires Secret but be TS/SCI eligible? Generally if you only have a Secret clearance, you're not TS/SCI eligible or you aren't granted that eligibility.

To be TS/SCI eligible you have to have a TS clearance to start with. Then the eligibility is granted if your position requires you to have that eligibility. Example - I'm a 35F. My job requires a TS clearance and TS/SCI eligibility.

Some people only get granted a TS clearance with only TS eligibility. The SSO can request, through DISS, an SCI eligibility upgrade IF someone's position requires it and they only have TS eligibility.

If you need a TS clearance, you need to talk to your S2 about filling out a PSIP so you can do the eQIP to open a T5 investigation to get the clearance.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2020 12:56 PM

2020-06-23T12:56:39-04:00

Unless you are in a position that currently requires a TS clearance, you are not going to get one. The cost alone to run the entire investigation is over $100,000, and a civilian employer is not going to want to pay that when they can hire someone who has previously had one