Will a low credit score and an account in collections prevent enlisting?

2024-08-01T16:23:26-04:00

I have one account in collections that is on a payment plan, will this prevent enlistment or more specifically a 15Q mos

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2024 4:50 PM

2024-08-01T16:50:41-04:00

It certainly won't boost your chances. What may delay you is the Collections account as this MAY have you viewed as a security risk. But, the only way to fully know for sure is to speak with a Recruiter. While I can't find if the MOS 15Q requires a clearance, pretty much everyone that joins ends up going thru a background security clearance check when they come into the Service.

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 1 at 2024 8:46 PM

2024-08-01T20:46:45-04:00

Will it stop you from enlisting? No. If you have dependants, you'll have to have a dependency waiver though (which would amount to the commander doing an interview to ensure you will functionally be able to provide for your dependants).

When you enlist, you'll fill out a Monthly Financial Statement (DA 3072-2) which will include all liabilities against your military pay. As long as the debt isn't for child support and the debts won't exceed your income after expenses, you shouldn't have too much of an issue.

Where you might have an issue is with the 15Q MOS. An Air Traffic Control Operator requires a SECRET clearance. Having a debt won't automatically prevent you from getting a clearance, however if there are patterns of irresponsible fiscal behavior, the debt is excessive, attempts weren't made to address indebtedness, etc. THAT could impact you.

If it's a case of "I got into debt, got my act together and am paying it off now", that will likely not have an impact at all, especially if it's an isolated issue and you haven't had any problems since addressing it.
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* USAREC Regulation 601-210 (Enlistment & Accessions Processing) - https://recruiting.army.mil/Portals/15/Documents/Forms%20and%20Pubs/Regulations/UR%20601-210_1.pdf

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Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 2 at 2024 10:20 AM

2024-08-02T10:20:15-04:00

Having a low credit score alone isn't a major hurdle but having an active collections action against you would be a potential red flag. Speak to your recruiter and they will help cut the red tape and will also help you make plans for next steps. It will need more action on your part than theirs to clear this up but they are the ones who can help you know what direction to head. Good luck.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 2 at 2024 10:35 AM

2024-08-02T10:35:38-04:00

Enlisting -maybe because it shows a lack of self-discipline. It can keep you from getting a security clearance which can stop enlisting in some MOS's

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 5 at 2024 2:55 PM

2024-08-05T14:55:34-04:00

If you can't obtain at minimum a favorable background investigation, you can't join the military anymore. That's something that came out this year as they work on Trusted Workforce 2.0. Since 2016, that's supposed to have been standard per DoDI but overlooked. Being in the military is considered a national security position, even if the MOS has no clearance requirement.

This MOS requires "Be eligible for a top-secret security clearance and access to sensitive compartmented information."

The low credit score won't be an issue, the debt in collections MIGHT be. If you can show you are actively paying off the debt, even if you consolidated the debt, and that you are making strides to mitigate future debt you may get through the background investigation and be granted a TS. If you can't show actively paying it or that you mitigated the risk of future debt, you'll get denied.

I had two SFCs get their clearances revoked in my last unit for debt. One did get it reconsidered and readjudicated. Another didn't because he wasn't providing the right info for DCSA.

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Aug 5 at 2024 3:58 PM

2024-08-05T15:58:35-04:00

Pretty sure it wont stop an enlistment, but might make getting your security clearance or if you have one that is about to expire renewed a little bit of a headache or pain in the butt. Also your unit leadership might have you get some financial counceling.