How hard is it to get a top secret security clearance?

Question

I would like to be a CTI in the Navy and I don't know how hard it is to get a top secret security clearance. I've never had any trouble with school or law, and a native born U.S. citizen. Is there more to the top secrete clearance?

Answer 1

none of your friends, neighbors (current and former), relatives and acquaintances can be viewed as security risks.

If there is someone that might be viewed as a security risk, it is best to fess up to it now.

Getting top secret clearance is not necessarily difficult to obtain, it is just that your past history will be scrutinized. You school records, medical records, driving record, police record are all going to be investigated. Your neighbors past and present, your parents neighbors past and present, are going to be interviewed. All of your personnel files at all places where you have worked are going to be reviewed. The DoD is going to want to know who your friends are, your lovers, where you have traveled. Details about your family.

It is no joke.

Answer 2

I have a redacted copy of my TSP security clearance investigation I was able to obtain years after I left the army as a field artillery officer with a nuclear surety designation.....you wouldn't believe the extend and depth of what they look into regarding your background. I imagine that many, many people wouldn't stand up to that type of inquiry. I was just 22 at the time and still it was extensive.

Answer 3

what spag said is true, but if you've never gotten into trouble, you should have no problem getting a clearance.

it is a lengthy process, and becomes even lengthier if you're related to any non-citizens or if you've lived in a lot of places. just make sure you're completely honest on the forms and in the security interview(s)--if your recruiter tells you to fudge the truth to hide something small, don't listen. everything is important and it will be found out eventually--it's better if it comes from you up front.

Answer 4

Everything is looked for and found, as long as you haven't screwed up allot you'll be fine. So no arrests, no drugs, even school records are searched and neighbors interviewed.

Answer 5

Much more. I will look into your past with a fine tooth comb and talk to neighbors you haven't even met. I will talk to your co-workers that you may have only worked 1 shift with. If you try to hide something, I'll find it. It takes about 18 months from the time you submit your paperwork to the time you case is adjudicated. Personally, I think you should consider CTR as there is a bigger job market if you get out. Good Luck.

Answer 6

The FBI/CIA Will look in every past record they can find they talk to Family, Friends, and Neighbors. Even your credit history is looked at. Good Luck.

Answer 7

top secret clearance involves at a minimum 15 year back ground check

Answer 8

They do a background check that includes all relatives and friends.

When I got mine, they checked out my grand parents on both
sides. But I did get it. And that was in the sixties.

Thank you very much, while you're up!

Answer 9

Have a good honest patriotic family.
Belong to a family that believes in working.
Have good honest patriotic friends.
Don't do drugs.
Don't get DUI's.
Pay your bills.
Don't be gay. (Danger of blackmail.)
Just be a clean-cut person.
Be careful who you use for references.
Get good grades.
Good luck.

Answer 10

Nope,,, if you are not a pot head, don't have a criminal record, and your teachers don't think you are a screw up, it is pretty much a done deal.
Hell I even had one.