Should I be worried if my Secret security clearance as an Army Chaplain Candidate has gone wrong due to having an SF86 done on my behalf?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:57:31 -0400

Hello everyone, I am currently in the process of becoming an army chaplain candidate. I passed MEPS, received my ecclesiastical endorsement, I was accepted in my MDiv program, passed the accessions board and now waiting for my scroll. I just recently had an interview done with a background investigator regarding my secret security clearance. When it came time for my interview, I was completely thrown off and puzzled because the information they had did not line up with prior residences and employment. Apparently, there was an SF86 that was suppose to be done on my behalf but no where in the process did my recruiter advise me that I needed to complete one. I had to fill out basic information through a link they provided which asked for the last 7 years of my life. My investigator was asking me why I omitted 3 years of information. I was thrown a curveball and quite frankly, I was upset about the whole situation. Had I known that I had to fill out an SF86, I would of definitely made sure to complete that on my own. It seems that my recruiter just randomly filled out information to fill in the gaps. I do not play around with this kind of stuff. I worked so hard to get to this point and now I am worried about this situation. Does anyone have a similar experience? Should I be worried?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 18 at 2022 4:30 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:30:12 -0400

This is why you meet with an investigator. To fix the gaps and fill in anything missing. The gaps most likely represent what happened after you left the service. Not a big deal and easy to annotate and fix. Nothing to get emotional or upset about as long as you fix what the investigators identify and respond promptly. Just keep working with the investigator. You'll be fine.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2022 5:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:36:25 -0400

Relax. As long as you fill out the new SF86 to its entirety and to the best of your recollection, and can fill in those blank spots/clarify the discrepancies, then you should be fine. If your recruiter did fill in your blanks, you may want to have a talk with them. Ask them if they actually did try that. They may have been trying to do you a solid....but should have just let you do it.