I was considering going into OCS in the Army, most likely combat arms. What level security clearance do I need? How does this change over time (e.g. if I am eventually promoted to Captain, etc) and how does the security level vary with certain branches? (e.g. infantry or MI)
2007-09-15 05:58:05 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Every officer in the Army is required to have a Secret Clearance even if you are combat arms. If you get MI and only MI that will be bumped up to a Top Secret Clearance or TS/SCI. As far as promotions and your clearance are concerned your duty position is more a determinant of your clearance, not your rank. Just making CPT is not going to get you a TS clearance. Being a General will or being a chemical officer attached to an SF unit for instance will probably get you a TS.
There are many more instances where you may need a TS. If you get Signal for instance and are in charge of fixing TS computers in an MI battalion then you will get a TS clearance. I knew a bunch of pilots who had TS clearances back when the Army still had EH-60 helicopters. If you get assigned to a Generals staff expect to get a TS clearance, etc.
Chances are if you are going combat arms don't expect anything beyond a Secret until you are like 0-5 or above or get some weird assignment.
2007-09-15 06:37:14 · answer #1 · answered by SL 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, since you'll be an officer candidate, a background check will be performed. Security Clearances don't necessarily depend on grade but "need to know" - in another words, assignments.
Most officers in the military eventually get a Secret Clearance, regardless of branch of service. Higher clearance levels depends on what the assignment is.
2007-09-15 06:03:32 · answer #2 · answered by jack w 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been a few years since I has a DOD clearance but normally it is not about your rank but about your job. I had a higher clearance than people that supervised me and they were not allowed access to things that I could access. But normally you probably need a Secret or above and that means that you would have to have a clean record and back ground investigation.
So a grunt rifle Lt would not need what some Intelligence NCO might need. But if you want to advance then a clean record and the ability to pass a security investigation will help.
2007-09-15 06:05:13 · answer #3 · answered by Wizard Of OS 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally you need to be able to receive at least a secret clearance, but it is not required in OCS. The clearance is for the information you will learn when you are out of OCS.
2007-09-15 06:01:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your job, as to the level of security clearance you need. Rank has nothing to do with it.
2007-09-15 06:00:58 · answer #5 · answered by macaroni 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bare minimum is Confidential. some billets require a higher Clearance, but those are situational and you would only get one if the job called for it. Clearances are reviewed every five years.
2007-09-15 07:22:29 · answer #6 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
security clearances are as need by your job assignment, not by rank.
2007-09-15 06:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by Jan Luv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its about the same in all branches it depends on what you will have the need for ,
2007-09-15 06:05:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OCS= ninety day wonder. OCS is a joke! Go to West Point.
2007-09-15 06:05:26 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋