If you’ve served as an officer or in many enlisted positions, a security clearance will be one aspect of the job. The military security clearance process is largely the same as that for other positions, whether contract or support. Some due process and other procedures are slightly different. But here are a few things individuals should be aware of as they consider the military security clearance process.
Getting a Clearance in the Military
Not every position in the military requires a clearance (culinary specialists and some support positions may not), but all officers do obtain a security clearance as a part of their service and all service members undergo a background check and complete some form of security application.
“Any officer is going to require a clearance, an enlisted service member. Folks who are enlisted, it’s not always they necessarily require a clearance; they have to go through a basic background check as a part of enlistment,” said Bigley.
With military service being such a common path a security clearance, many individuals find themselves using their security clearance after they join the military. Many individuals find defense contracting or government service a natural path of service post-military.
“There is a lot of overlap there in terms of hiring incentives, but also in terms of lifestyle,” said Bigley.
Employers also have a number of programs to help service members feel at home culturally and socially. And their experience – and security clearance – are in demand.
Post-military clearance considerations
For many, joining the military is their first step into government service. Many service members are also young. That can create a few problems when filling out the SF-86.
“In our practice one of the issues that comes up most frequently is SF-86s that someone filled out many years ago, sometimes as much as 15 or 20 years prior…they’re going through the MEPS, military entrance processing, or filling it out as a part of ROTC, and somebody says to them, oh, don’t put that down, the government doesn’t care about your experimentation with marijuana they’re only asking if you’re an addict, and oh boy, if you list that you’re screwed, they’re never going to find out, so just leave it off – those kind of bad advice situations.”
In those cases, it is generally advisable to get out ahead of the issue and report the error as soon as you’re aware you filled out the form incorrectly. In many cases issues that didn’t come up in a Secret clearance investigation could be uncovered during the course of a Top Secret clearance investigation – at which point you’ll be asked for the disparity in your record. Unfortunately, you could then lose both your Top Secret clearance eligibility and your Secret eligibility. For the sake of your clearance and career, it’s generally better to be honest, and to contact your security officer if you realize anything was filled out in error.
Outside of the nuance of filling out the SF-86 while filling out so many other forms as a part of the military entrance process, applicants shouldn’t expect anything out of the ordinary. Your recruiter should notify you if your position requires a Secret, Top Secret or simple background check. If they don’t, ask. And if you’re asked to fill out the SF-86, keep in mind that the guidance around the form is the same – you’re signing to the accuracy of the form, and the vast majority of negative issues that may come up can be mitigated – unfortunately, lying is one hurdle that is hard to overcome.
This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Although the information is believed to be accurate as of the publication date, no guarantee or warranty is offered or implied. Laws and government policies are subject to change, and the information provided herein may not provide a complete or current analysis of the topic or other pertinent considerations. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
