12B to 35L, any advice or tips?

2019-08-26T22:20:25-04:00

I scored well enough to qualify as a 35L, currently working on getting my record expunged. I had gotten arrested and went to court and was found not guilty. Still a problem for the clearance??

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 10:39 PM

2019-08-26T22:39:40-04:00

I think you will be ok. I was arrested for public intoxication when I was 19 and I didn’t have any problems. However, if it was some type of domestic violence case, I heard it might be more difficult. That’s just PNN though so don’t quote me. Best of luck to you!

Response by SPC Ted Ronayne made Aug 26 at 2019 10:41 PM

2019-08-26T22:41:07-04:00

I'm not a lima, their retirements are much more stringent than my MOS (35F) However, I can provide you some of my knowledge about security clearances as I've got my TS.

You're going to be asked about the arrest, no doubt about it. However, it isn't necessarily a deal breaker, it depends on what the arrest was for? Was it related to domestic violence? Drinking? Drugs? Anything that could be held against you as having a deep seated problem that could lead to blackmail or otherwise have the intelligence community see you as a liability?

How long ago was the arrest? If it was recent, within the last year or two, you probably won't be able to get your clearance. Clearances usually require 3+ years since such incidents. They can look past it, so long as you can prove you're an upstanding person who's history doesn't represent them accurately.

As far as 35L goes, you're going to be interviewed by an agent. Even if you're squeaky clean from birth, such an interview can make or break your chances. Since you're going to have that matter come up, your best bet is to be forthcoming with any information they ask for... And most importantly...

Tell the truth! The clearance process can overlook small flukes, what it will never overlook is lying or trying to hide something. For a TS/SCI a representative (not a CI agent) will interview you and go over your Sf86. That representative will also call your references and dig up as much as they can on you. If you lie or hide something, not only can it extend the process by months, possibly years, but it can also sink your chances of ever getting a clearance.

I wish you the best of luck, but be warned you may be fighting an uphill battle. I'm not asking you to disclose anything, but simply do some self evaluation. Also, think of the best references you can. If you have a good relationship with your chain of command... I'd look to them to help you out.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2019 12:02 AM

2019-08-27T00:02:41-04:00

Once your record is expunged you should have no problems. If it gets brought up, just explain it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2019 7:21 AM

2019-08-27T07:21:09-04:00

It depends on a lot of factors. The information you provided does not explain what the arrest was for, and that is probably the biggest factor. It does not matter, in some cases, that your record was expunged. DUI, domestic violence, drugs, and some financially related crime will hem you up. Another piece, do not lie. Divulge everything. No matter your arrest offense, whether it is expunged or not, it has earned you extra scrutiny to get your clearance. They will look at your past a little harder than most people. If they find something that you didn’t divulge, it will delay your clearance even more and it will compound on top of your arrest offense as to your trustworthiness.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2019 7:52 AM

2019-08-27T07:52:11-04:00

Even if you have it expunged, you are required to report it. See SF 86, Section 22.
Considering you were found not guilty, it shouldn't be a problem.
I suggest you look at SF 86 and note all the information you need, especially on relatives, employment, etc. Keep a copy FOREVER.
In fact, keep a copy of every contract, order, certificate, medical record, evaluation, etc., after you join the military. Don't rely on any system. Hard copy is great. Electronic media works fine, too, just ensure it is backed up.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 27 at 2019 12:19 PM

2019-08-27T12:19:09-04:00

Were you FOUND not guilty, or were you actually innocent? Two very different things, and the clearance investigation will very likely uncover the difference. Either way, you report it. Never EVER hide anything on your SF86. If you have never smoked pot, but one time in college you got a contact high, report it. If you currently have a driver's license but at one point in time it was revoked because of too many traffic tickets, report it. Etc. If you are not sure whether or not your situation applies to the question being asked, you report it and let the investigator determine whether or not it is relevant.

I worked Personnel Security for about 5 years, walking people through the clearance process (in addition to maintaining my own clearance for over 20 years). Trust me, you would FAR rather have the investigator wondering why you bothered to report such stupid stuff (I literally reported shoplifting a candy bar when I was 8, even though I wasn't even caught) than finding something that you should have reported but did not.

However, unless things have changed radically in the last few years, regardless of clearance, you do NOT qualify for 35L. 35L is not an entry-level MOS, there are no Privates. You have to be an E4(P) before being accepted into 35L school. You might want to take a look at that again, and if you DO want to go 35L, have an honest conversation with your recruiter about how you get there from here. Because enlisting as a 35L is not how to get there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2019 10:29 AM

2019-10-12T10:29:39-04:00

I wouldn’t be too worried. I’m a 12B reclass to 35L and have been in trouble, in the past. I was a juvenile, but it was severe; nonetheless. They’re not looking for Boy Scouts. CI works in a gray area quite a bit. So it more or less falls on your character during the interview. If you can walk in there, and win over the Agent by being yourself; it’s not going to matter.