What happens if I am denied security clearance ?

2019-08-07T18:22:36-04:00

I made bad decisions financially but I never done anything illegal and my schools are willing to speak on my behalf on how good I am as a student. If I am denied security clearance would I have to pick another mos ?

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Aug 7 at 2019 6:25 PM

2019-08-07T18:25:31-04:00

Yes, reclass

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 7 at 2019 6:27 PM

2019-08-07T18:27:53-04:00

Yes. Almost all MOSs these days require a clearance.

BUT do not be discouraged. The big thing with finances is that you have things in good standing and have a way forward. It is OK to have debt, even large amounts of debt, as long as you dont have overdues, collections, and the like. If you have a payment plan, and a history of making the payments on said plan, you are USUALLY OK for clearance. If not, spend a few months getting there, THEN go for it.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Aug 7 at 2019 6:43 PM

2019-08-07T18:43:19-04:00

You should see the credit reports of disabled Vets...who had to wait years for their disability decisions...

Response by SGT Richard Ahlstrom made Aug 7 at 2019 9:07 PM

2019-08-07T21:07:10-04:00

I do background investigations for a living. Your comment appears to read that you have not yet been denied. The adjudicator will look at your financial history and your explanation. They will also examine if you're currently making all payments including past due accounts. Financial is one of the main reasons for denial, lying is the 2nd. Heart your financial house in order and have the history of payments to prove it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2019 12:06 AM

2019-08-08T00:06:13-04:00

Yes you will, 42A requires a Secret clearance

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Aug 8 at 2019 8:50 AM

2019-08-08T08:50:57-04:00

I used to have a good amount of debt, and still was able to acquired a clearance. I had to do a little bit of homework meaning to show I'm making payments, especially on time. If any of your debt has gone to collection agencies...not good. Now, if you're denied you probably would have to pick another MOS.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 8 at 2019 4:24 PM

2019-08-08T16:24:26-04:00

If for some reason you are denied a security clearance, you won't be able to enter a career field or take a job that requires a clearance. You would have to pick a different specialty. My guess is there are more MOS that do not require a clearance than those that do. You can certainly fix vehicles, handle most supplies, build and repair structures, fix chow, and do most combat arms jobs without a security clearance. Possibly some NCO and Officer jobs require a clearance, but I didn't need one until I was a Captain, aircraft commander. Didn't need a TS until I applied for a headquarters staff job.

The investigators don't determine your clearance. They make a recommendation to a clearance authority, normally a senior officer or civilian employee, who makes the final decision of granting the clearance. Certainly most of the senior officials follow the recommendation of the investigator, but sometimes they don't. A very important factor is the possibility of compromise because of something in your history or a behavior or habit. If you had bad credit, straightened out the situation, and are on a good financial path, then your chance of compromise is smaller. You may get a clearance.

Response by SPC John Decker made Aug 8 at 2019 5:39 PM

2019-08-08T17:39:26-04:00

Having someone buy up your debts is the easiest way to get someone to turn. That's why they'll look at your credit history so closely.