Should I remain in a unit while I wait for a security clearance?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 13:57:56 -0500

I recently transferred to a drill sergeant unit so that I can go to drill sergeant school, they started my packet I had a school date and everything. However, before I transfered and even after I transfered I asked them if a security clearance was needed to go to drill sergeant school because mine was denied due to my credit history and I was told that it was required, only for E7's and above. As a drill sergeant candidate in my unit you really don't do much but practice the modules and take a pt test every month at drill. I really don't want to sit around doing that each and every drill, I would rather be doing my MOS. Now my question is should I transfer back to my old unit where I can do my MOS until I can straighten out my security clearance issue (which may take a while) or should just stay put?

Response by MSG Willis A. made Jan 7 at 2016 2:01 PM

MSG Willis A. — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 14:01:27 -0500

I would do my MOS until my finances were straightened out and reapply for the clearance prior to transferring back to DS.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jan 7 at 2016 2:04 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 14:04:00 -0500

I would say do what is best for you. You will not be working your MOS there and that is something that you need to do. Staying physically fit is good. You have no purpose there at drill school at the moment and you will get board of that. I think it might be a good idea to transfer back to your MOS until you get your security clearance straight.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jan 7 at 2016 2:08 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 14:08:01 -0500

Best to transfer back to the old unit and work in your MOS, because the security clearance issue takes time, and that DI space you are taking up can be given to another NCO that can do more for the ARMY. So see that way and do the right thing for another NCO and for the ARMY.

Response by SPC Brian Bay made Jan 7 at 2016 2:08 PM

SPC Brian Bay — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 14:08:02 -0500

What are the more detailed issues pertaining to your security clearance? (Prior Personnel Security NCO here). Feel free to PM and I'll do my best to provide guidance to help you fast-track the issues.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 3:04 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 15:04:33 -0500

If you are wanting to be a Drill Sergeant then do what you need to get your clearance. IF, you are not able or willing to get your clearance at this time than transfer back to your old unit. In the Army a drill sergeant candidate is and actual slot and it is MOS immaterial. ALL of my candidates do only what will prepare them for Drill Sergeant school and only school. So in the end it is up to you and your career path.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Jan 7 at 2016 4:34 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 16:34:58 -0500

Ultimately it is your choice. My advice would for you to talk to your Senior NCO and get his input about your situation. But, if it was me I would stay in the unit because all the extra training you get will only help you in the long run in DI School. It may be a little mundane, but that is something you will have to deal with at School and once you are a DI. You need to realize that your training is preparing you to excel at school. Get your clearance issue fixed and training with the DI unit until you go to school. Unlike most going to the school, you will have the advantage of so much more training a preparation for the School. Go for honor grad, which will help you when you are getting looked at E7.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 7 at 2016 9:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 21:51:30 -0500

I am the type who hates uncertainty, hence, I would go back to the unit if that option is still available.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 8:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 08:15:08 -0500

We had a guy in my drill sergeant unit who had the exact same issue except he was an E-5. He stayed in the unit for a year and a half until his issue was resolved. He went to DSS and graduated. I myself went to DSS this April-June and I don't have a security clearance yet.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 10:24 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:24:02 -0500

The first question you have to ask yourself is ultimately, "Do you really want to be a Drill Sergeant?" The follow on questions are, "How bad do you want it?" and, "What are you willing to do to become a Drill Sergeant?" If your organization primarily supports a certain mission, (I believe 4th Brigade does their AT at Fort Leonard Wood every year) You should contact the Fort Leonard Wood Army Community Service office [login to see] ext. 6-0212) and ask to speak with a "command financial specialist" let your counselor know your issues and ask for them to assist you in pulling your credit score. Service members can pull their credit scores from all three major credit reporting bureaus once a year for free if they go through ACS. Your counselor should then assist you with creating a plan to fix issues. When completing your next investigation questionnaire you will be able to specifically identify your current issues, as well as show that there is a plan in place to fix them. If for some reason ACS says they can't help you contact the Fort Leonard Wood Reserve liaison's office (MSG Knuckles, Troy) and let him know what your trying to do and see if he can assist with ACS.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 10:30 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:30:20 -0500

Why do you take an APFT every month? Are they record APFT's? I remember when I first came out of DS school and returned to my RC unit. They did "monthly APFT's" as well. My Senior Drill insisted that I had to take it. I told him that I had just graduated DSS (the Active Duty school at FLW) and received a COA for getting a 297 a week prior. He still made me take an APFT. I was pissed. This NCO was no PT stud, and if anyone needed to do extra PT it was him. So I got a 180 and called it a day. He wasn't very happy. Is this still common practice in DS units? And if so why???