Is a National security clearance required to enlist in the military?

Question

I love my country and want to serve in the military. I have recently met with recruiters from several different branches to consider all my options. Each one has given me Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions. However, I do not want a job that requires a clearance and this form is pretty in-depth and time consuming and I don't want to waste my time retrieving all the info if I don't even need a clearance. The recruiters say that I have to complete it but the instruction page in the very front of the packet clearly states "Complete this form only after a conditional offer of employment has been made for a position requiring a security clearance. Giving us the information we ask for is voluntary." Is this form required from me if I want to enlist?

See, the problem is, there are probably many factors that would prevent me from obtaining a clearance, although none of the stuff would prevent me from joining, so that is why I don't want to bother.

Gugliamo00, I totally agree with you. I have nothing to lie about. Obviously I'd be honest on something that's under oath. But me being honest would probably disqualify me for a clearance. So then what's the point in filling it out then if I already know that I won't even pass. I told you, it's a long application and I'm a very busy dude and I don't want to waste my time if I'm not going to qualify. Plus, even if I somehow did, I heard from somebody I worked with that has been in the Navy for about 15 years that with a clearance, you learn about scary stuff that you had rather wished you had never learned.

Answer 1

Security is granted and only to the level necessary for you to do your job. Some might never go beyond Confidential. But some may require Top Secret. In any case, once in the military it's likely you will need some clearance at some time or other.

However, if you lie or withhold information that might disqualify you, and it's later found out, you might be found guilty of fraud. Moreover, if you've been exposed to classified information, I could see how you might be accused of spying.

Though the form may say it's optional, if you refuse to fill it out on those grounds, can you see how it might raise warning flags to whoever is evaluating your application package?

My advice is to fill out the form. Be honest and complete. It'll reduce the chance of unpleasant repercussions later on. Down near the bottom, (above your signature) you'll see the following...

Certification That My Answers Are True

My statements on this form, and any attachments to it, are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. I understand that a knowing and willful false statement on this form can be punished by fine or imprisonment or both. (See section 1001 of title 18, United States Code).

If you can't honestly sign it. thn maybe (I never thought I'd say this) you should reconsider joining.

While love for country is admirable, lying to your country... for whatever reason seems to belie that professed love... don't you think?

Answer 2

No you don't. There are three levels of security clearance:

-Top Secret
-Secret
-Confidential

There are jobs in the military that require NO security clearance whatsoever. And you can't get a security clearance anyway if you're not a citizen, and non-US citizens can still join the military.

In short, no, you do NOT need a clearance.

HOWEVER, you may need one in your future military career, depending on your duty station and based on your need-to-know certain information.

I actually remember filling out that form. Just do it, it's not that hard. If you think this is BS, just wait 'til you get into the military. You're gonna be doing a lotta stuff that won't seem to make sense, but hey, you gotta do it anyway.

Good luck.

Answer 3

no, not every job requires a Clearance, but depending on what you choose, you may have to be ELIGIBLE for one, even if you never actually have to get one.

The SF 86 is short and sweet compared to the ones my husband has to fill out for his Clearance level heheheh

Just fill out as much of it as you can. There will be some level of digging done, even if you are not going for a Clearance. they use the SF 86 to insure that you would not be a liability or a risk factor.

Answer 4

I assume this is for the American military:

No security clearance is required to enlist. You will be given one once you reach your A-School depending on what you need to know. If you're becoming a cook, you probably wont get a very high clearance, but if you sign on to work on nuclear reactors then expect a throrough check and a higher clearance. Boot camp/Basic Training does not contain any classified material.

Answer 5

1. If its something you lied about, then you will be separated from the Air Force for fraudulent enlistment. 2. If it is something you told them about, then you will be re-classed into a AFSC that does not require a security clearance.

Answer 6

You will need to take the form. It is in case you qualify for Clearance you can open new doors to other cool jobs. It only helps you not harm you. When I enlisted they asked me if I talked in my sleep, I said yes. I was still able to do the job I wanted just never got security clearance which I never needed. But if you passed and wanted it, you could be in for a cool job.

Answer 7

Security Clearance is possibly a "you're a spy that got through the background check and polygraph" set-up designed by criminal authorities to compromise a security clearance workforce that has signed away their ability to escape entrapment.

Answer 8

but the better the ob the higher the clearance you need will be

Answer 9

My husband didnt have to get that, he did a background check and drug test, just the norm

Answer 10

Fill it out and return it anyways.

It shows a commitment and sincerity in your interest in serving your country.