Problems Obtaining Secret Security Clearance?

Question

I've got some concerns regarding my credit history. I've got terrible credit now and have been in collections before. What kind of problem will this be for obtaining a security clearance?

Does it help to pay them off/begin to do so? I've been broke for a very long time and have literally not been able to pay what I need to.

I've looked over the 'net and can't find more information on Security Clearances than I've already seen and this question remains to be answered. This is for the Air Force, by the way, and is regarding Pararescue or Airborn Linguist specifically.

Thank you everybody for your help.

I've got some concerns regarding my credit history. I've got terrible credit now and have been in collections before. What kind of problem will this be for obtaining a security clearance?

Does it help to pay them off/begin to do so? I've been broke for a very long time and have literally not been able to pay what I need to.

I've looked over the 'net and can't find more information on Security Clearances than I've already seen and this question remains to be answered. This is for the Air Force, by the way, and is regarding Pararescue or Airborn Linguist specifically.

Thank you everybody for your help.

EDIT: I have nearly a $5000 hospital bill because I didn't have insurance when I went to the emergency room. Other than that, I have about $400 in credit card debt that is backed up very much (this will be no problem to pay w/my new job) and about $100 in a bank problem.

How severe is this in regards to what they consider to be a major problem?

Answer 1

if you are currently in arrears, no way will you be getting a Clearance. if you WERE in arrears, but can prove that you are making payments and are no longer behind than you MIGHT get a clearance.
Also, they look at the TYPE of debt., Student Loans and catastrophic medical bills are less bad than say credit card debt or a too fancy sports car. They take into consideration how much you owe as well. how susceptible to bribery are you? what kind of lifestyle do you live? All of these aspects are looked at.

also, if you are denied initially, you can still get in, take a job that does not require a clearance, then after a few eyears of military service, have them screen you for a another one. that can go a longw ay in helping you get past the hurdle.

Answer 2

You will need to be current with your bills before the AF will ship you to basic. From what I understand the reason they perform a credit check is to make sure your bills are current. I had a hospital bill that had been turned over to a collection and was behind on some other debt when I joined. They made me catch up on my bills then I was good to go. I don't know for sure but you will probably need higher than secret clearance for PJ's particularly and possibly for Linguist also.

Answer 3

You THINK you're in collections? That alone isn't going to look good for you. Better get that taken care of ASAP. You can't enlist if you have pending legal issues; so if they sue you-you're career will be held up. At BEST your clearance is going to take much longer than for someone else. Be upfront and tell the investigator everything. Also emphasize the actions you're taking to fix the issue. This stuff is deadly serious, my friend. Financial irresponsibility puts you in the headlights for a foreign service looking to recruit. Aldrich Ames, the worst spy in US history had credit issues and spent beyond his means-yeah, DOD's pretty serious about this. Misdemeanors may or may not affect you: if you did jail time -you're probably done. Again shows you can't be expected to follow the rules-how can anyone trust you to properly handle classified material?

Answer 4

Yes, it could definitely keep you from getting a security clearance in a civilian post. But you are talking about 2 very difficult specialties to get into. I would worry about the clearance when I got there.

Answer 5

Credit problems like that will make it unlikely you will be able to get a security clearance. All you can do is try to clean it up prior to going in. Good luck.