What are the requirements for a Top Secret clearance?

2020-08-07T18:24:42-04:00

I had a little credit trouble 4 years ago, my recruiter has told me he can still get me through with a job that requires TS clearance - is that true? Doesn’t the person at MEPS pull that information up during the TS “interview?”

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2020 6:30 PM

2020-08-07T18:30:30-04:00

Your credit is a factor and will be a consideration on whether or not you qualify for a TS or not. It really depends on what type of “trouble” you’re talking about.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 7 at 2020 7:41 PM

2020-08-07T19:41:45-04:00

Be truthful. Supply all information when requested. You should be ok unless you have stuff in your background

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 9:49 AM

2020-08-08T09:49:35-04:00

When I joined I had a boat load of credit issues mostly debt to income related. I made a lot of bad choices before I joined. It is a factor but not immediate disqualification. Things being repossessed, accounts in collections, and the like are treated more serious but you don't know until you try. Have solutions to ongoing problems and explanations for past mishaps. Do not make excuses own your past mistakes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 2:24 PM

2020-08-08T14:24:24-04:00

For the love of god don't be evasive about anything. Don't think you are outsmarting anyone.

Saw a kid in MEPS end up getting medically disqualified because he was being defensive/evasive with the doctor (remember, just because they are in civilian clothes doesn't mean they aren't prior military) who was a retired COL. So now he's disqualified for all services across the board.

Few years later, saw a 68W trying to get re-classed into my unit as a 35F (Intel Analyst) and was evasive about his loser family with his background investigator. His clearance upgrade took forever, then he tried to appeal the rejection and lost. Ended up going back to a medical unit.

Lay it all out there. Focus on the question being asked, don't try and divert the conversation. They are investigating with their own process, and need to get to the next packet as soon as possible. If you make them work for it, and then they find a way to disqualify you they are going to take the easier path and move onto the next packet.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 5:05 PM

2020-08-08T17:05:05-04:00

As mentioned by CPT Private RallyPoint Member, quit playing what if games about answering questions honestly. Be truthful in all oral or written answers or you will not like the results. You can do your own research. Vote up those that have taken the time to answer you as opposed to just those that feed you the answers that you like. You are asking questions that you can look up yourself and I am starting to think that you are a troll with your repetitive posts and endless questions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 11:32 AM

2020-08-09T11:32:26-04:00

No one on here can give you a definite answer to your question no matter how you present it. Go talk with a recruiter, don’t withhold any information because they can find out EVERYTHING even if you don’t disclose it to them. FYI, when the investigators conduct their research, they go back a minimum of 10yrs on you and your family members to include cousins, aunts and uncles and any references you list....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-08-09T15:12:30-04:00

If you have anything in collections you better figure out payment plans or pay it off ASAP and have proof of such. I had to jump thru a few hoops owing about 4K to get a secret clearance due to mishaps in my late teens early 20’s