most debts are from 6 years ago or further back
2007-06-28 17:17:50 · 11 answers · asked by mrdallas 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A person's credit history of current and past debt is a very big part of a determination for access to classified material. All areas of the investigation are scrutinized to determine if they have anything adverse in their life that could result in their committing treason - such as selling classified material to foreign powers. It has happened enough times in the past that it is a very real concern and the guideline of "better safe than sorry" certainly applies - particularly in not granting clearances to people with a history of financial difficulty. Most acts of treason are committed for monetary gain and no other reason. Also, their irresponsibility and dishonesty in handling debts indicates that they would probably be equally irresponsible and untrustworthy in their handling of classified material.
2007-06-28 17:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by cwomo 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, credit issues can keep you from getting a clearance. This is the bright side...they judge the whole person and all the circumstances surrounding your situation. They will take everything into to consideration. When going through a security clearance, BE HONEST!!! DO NOT LIE AT ALL!!! They are concerned about your past but they are more concerned about your present honesty. As far as your debt, try and get in touch with your creditor and start paying on your debt. Even if you can only pay $10 a week...it shows to the investigator and the approving official that your are being responsible now...and that you are "MAN-ing up to your past" and not trying to run from it.
Trust me on this one!!! I bet my credit rating was way worse than your $2500 debt. I had a car repo'd, went through a divorce with all these over due credit card bill and utility bills... yadda yadda yadda...etc etc etc, you name it -I had it and I mean years over due!!! But I did the man thing, pulled my credit report and started paying what I could...set up alternative payments with creditors and all that jazz. When it finally came time to meet with my background investigator, we talked in detail of my past credit problems...and how I was fixing them. Even at my interview, I had a credit report on hand so I could go step by step with the investigator and show them what I was doing to correct everything. Basically, it showed I was serious about doing the right thing...AND THAT'S WHAT THEY WANTED TO HEAR IN THE END. THAT I WAS COMMITTED TO DOING THE RIGHT THING.
I was granted my Secret Clearance on 02/2007. So, be honest, tell the truth, show that you are a responsible man now and you'll have no problem getting your clearance!!! Good luck!!!
2007-07-02 23:47:48 · answer #2 · answered by Joey C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is a reflection on your honesty and integrity. The first thing they do for a security clearance is run a credit check and an NCIC check. If you don't have a good reason for a 6-year old delinquent debt, there is a strong chance you'll never get a clearance.
2007-06-29 00:27:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
This is a problem that can be only determined if you're current now with a history of payments. If your debt is still on the books you'll most likely be denied due to susceptible to bribery or blackmail.In this day and age there are many ways to entice someone to the point that they succumb to. I believe that you should talk to a Provost Marshall or J A G Officer to get the strait skinny. Best of luck to you. Warchild!
2007-06-29 00:35:13 · answer #4 · answered by warchild_1950 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes it can stop a secret clearance becouse most people will do about anything to get out of debt including selling secret materials so you see you are a security risk
2007-06-29 00:43:24 · answer #5 · answered by glenn_montgomery88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. anything that is in default or has been referred to a collection agency will be a point against you. you will need to make arrangements to poay off the debt beforehand.. many times they will accept a smaller amount if you pay in full.
2007-06-29 07:24:44 · answer #6 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will check it, then ask for an explanation from you.
They will judge on the reasons & facts. Excuses & not a chance of clearance.
People with financial problems are more vunerable to temptations and / or blackmail. So they check you out.
2007-06-29 00:32:17 · answer #7 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes they consider it a risk. Say you get captured, The enemy could offer to pay off your debt for u.s secretes.
2007-06-29 00:24:10 · answer #8 · answered by liono_83 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If that debt is still outstanding - I would not waste my time submitting the paperwork for you.
2007-06-29 11:33:31 · answer #9 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will find out if it is on your credit report. I would think you might have a problem about your ability to pay your bills.
2007-06-29 00:23:11 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Mel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋