Obtaining Secret Clearence

[Rhughes]

I enlisted (prior service 92G) and I am seriously considering reclassing to 31B. I am not MOS"Q because of the lenght of time I had been out of the service.

My question is this I had a bankruptcy in 1998 along with a messy divorce. My credit has been great since then. But the on the form I have to(understandably) list my ex-wife's information. For the Secret Clearence, besides the back ground check (i.e. the police record check and the running my credit report) do they actually interview my references meaning my ex-spouse?

[matthew.ritchie]

Background investigation is an art as well as a science. It's likely they could interview her. Of course, you aren't the first divorced person they've investigated, so they've heard it all before. They won't believe what she says (good or bad) without independent verification. So, if your ex tells them that you're a mass murderer, but you have no police record, they'll discount what she has to say. They realize that some people have an axe to grind.

The important thing is to disclose everything fully and up-front. If you hide something negative, and they find it on their own, then you've put your clearance in grave danger. Be honest and forthright.

[FlashWolf75]

I had a question about Secret Clearences too..I thought it would be better than to start a whole new thread.

Im enlisting as a 25C, and will need Secret. considering I am only 18 and havent moved much..What do I put down for references and stuff? I havent done that paper work/electronic thing yet so..

[matthew.ritchie]

I had a question about Secret Clearences too..I thought it would be better than to start a whole new thread.

Im enlisting as a 25C, and will need Secret. considering I am only 18 and havent moved much..What do I put down for references and stuff? I havent done that paper work/electronic thing yet so..

References are people who knew you at that address, school, or workplace. Let them know that you're putting them down as references, so they don't freak if someone starts asking questions. They might think that you're a criminal, or something.

[FlashWolf75]

Would my SAI and AI be a good start with references?

And how well do they have to know me(for adress)? I know some people(neighbours, dad's lawyer, work partners, etc.) that Know me, but they dont really..know me like lets say friends/my teachers.

[dproffett]

Some of the best references you can use are teachers and clergy (and some might say lawyers)... if you go to church, go talk to your youth leaders and pastors and ask them if you can use them. If not, then talk to some teachers. One or two teachers or pastors who will give a good word on your behalf will be valuable for alot more than just this purpose as well... its a good idea to have a few such reliable long term references throughout your working life, for jobs applications, loans, and other things.
The family lawyer would be good too.
Just remember to talk to them first, tell them why and always ask permission to use them as references. Some people don't like to be bothered, but most are happy to give you a good word, as long as they know about it before hand.

[WV EOD tech]

They didn't interview anyone when they granted my SECRET. For the TS, that was something different.