Posted on Dec 11, 2018
SGT Hr Nco Team Lead
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I have a SECRET clearance and know what’s involved with the background part but how much further will the process go with a TOP SECRET?
Curious what is entailed on the background portion of the TS.
Posted in these groups: Ts Security Clearance
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Responses: 3
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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First you would have to be in a position where one would be required. You can't just request a TS because it would help you out.
You can expect that they will go and interview someone at every place you've lived.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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SGT (Join to see) you will probably have to take a polygraph as well and you will possibly have frequent background reinvestigations, depending where you work.
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SGT Retired
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SGT Hr Nco Team Lead
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35F MI (Intelligence Analysts)SGT (Join to see)
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SGT Retired
SGT (Join to see)
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SGT (Join to see) - your S2 should be able to answer most questions. TS isn’t that big of a deal. It just means a lot of people aren’t able to come into your office, and you won’t take much work home with you.
The biggest part about the background check is to be honest. You’re more likely to be disqualified for dishonesty than derog in your background. Make sure your SF 86 is thoroughly accurate and complete. After your SSBI is complete, they can certainly do random reinvestigations, but they are normally done at 5 (I think it might have recently changed to 6) years.
Polys aren’t a big deal. Tell the truth, and you should be fine. (Assuming you haven’t joined a radical group plotting the overthrow of the government). Standard is a Counter Intelligence (CI) Poly.
Again, talk to your S2 or SSO. They should have any answer you’d need.

Best of luck.
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SGT Retired
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You fill out an SF-86 and undergo a Singlescope background Investigation. It’s pretty in depth.
See attached link.
I don’t know what the background check for just a Secret Clearance is like, but the step up in level of access between Secret and Top Secret is substantial. The investigation is probably quite a bit more thorough than you’re accustomed to.
https://news.clearancejobs.com/2013/09/08/ssbi/
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CWO3 Us Marine
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This used to be done by DIA/DIS field office(s). On occasion they came to my Recruiting office (84-87) for any local info or assistance on the subject. Don't know about now.
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