How to get justification for a TS/SCI clearance investigation if the justification is a packet that cannot be dropped without a TS/SCI?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:54:57 -0400

I am a current 25 series NCO that is putting together a Cyber Operations Technician (170A) packet. One of the minimum requirements regarding clearance states the following:

"Currently hold an adjudicated TS/SCI security clearance. Failure to retain an adjudicated TS/SCI clearance by precludes you from attending WOBC and holding the MOS 170A. (NO Active Duty WAIVERS). Compos 2 and 3 must have a TOP SECRET clearance prior to attendance of the 170A qualification course."

My current clearance is SECRET (non-interim).

I went to my local G2 (I work in a G6) and asked what the process is for starting a TS/SCI investigation so that I may drop my packet, but I am being told that a justification from the schoolhouse is required to begin the investigation.

With that information, I emailed the cyber warrant recruiter and they told me that a packet cannot be dropped without a TS/SCI, and that the fact that I am trying to drop the packet alone is enough justification.

I then went back to G2 and told them this/showed them the email, and they said no can do. They need actual justification such as a memo that states that I require a TS/SCI investigation in order to attend this school/drop this packet.

So now I am stuck and confused. I'm trying to drop a packet that cannot be dropped without a TS/SCI, but I cannot initiate an investigation to upgrade my current SECRET clearance without justification.

Does anyone have any input or suggestions?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 29 at 2020 9:27 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 21:27:29 -0400

This is where your leadership needs to be engaged. They can connect the dots between the Intel section and the school house. You won’t be able to herd these cats on your own

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 11:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:06:18 -0400

I may need to go review the packet submission information to clarify for my own sanity but the statement usually reads eligible to hold a TS but that may be enlisted and different for warrants. Could be possible that you can drop a packet for 17C first, and then once accepted and the TS started, drop the 170A packet.
Depending on the type of 25 you are, could you potentially be slotted into a role that requires TS such as ComSec custodian, or the ever painful role of SIPR administrator (why can't people log in before their accounts expire)? Those are options that justify upgrades to your clearance.
I'll drop a line to former S3 OIC I had that processed a lot of warrant packets for an opinion as well if I don't see any other suggestions from the community.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 11:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:11:48 -0400

S2 needs a justification memo. Your Career Counselor can write one for you. The school house won’t help you because you’re not a future student yet, and anyone could call them and say they want a TS. Although, I’m 99% certain you are allowed to submit the application without the TS you just can’t get slotted for the WOCS class until you have it. I know what your WOCS recruiter said, but the recruiters actually don’t know, they’re just recruiters. You can contact the Warrant Officer Accessions section at HRC to ask. That’s the POC for the actual packet to go to who reviews them for accuracy prior to being presented to the board. Basically, the recruiters are more like customer service. Their job is to answer common questions and help assemble your packet. For the more detailed questions you have to go to the source.
Good luck on your application.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 30 at 2020 3:38 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 03:38:29 -0400

Unless things have radically changed since I worked PERSEC 8 years ago, what you need is just a memo justifying the Need. You can actually type the memo yourself. Have your Commander sign it, or your PERSEC manager, either will work.

Para 1: who you are and what school you are going to attend

Para 2: school requires ts/sci - include specific language from WO accessions and/or WOBC

Para 3: therefore you need ts/sci

Para 4: POC is security manager (S2 - or for you, G2)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2020 12:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:23:52 -0400

Shoot me a message. But unfortunately, dropping a packet usually isn’t justification enough, because what happens if you don’t get selected?

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 30 at 2020 5:09 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:09:47 -0400

When you say G2 - who in your G2? The SSO? Or your security manager? The SSO should be handling all SCI related matters. However, your security manager should be processing a PSIP to get a TS/SCI because the SSO doesn't handle processing clearances. They do the read on to grant SCI access.

If you get a memo from the recruiter as stated that should work to submit the justification with the PSIP.