Do I have a better chance of getting a security clearance after enlisting?

Branden Hadley — Tue, 17 May 2022 02:32:58 -0400

I originally wanted to do a 17c mos but was told it would be easier to pick a non security clearance mos and then apply for clearance during reclass window when trying to reclass as a 17c , I'm curious if anyone has any insight to that. I do have Class B misdemeanor as adult from 6 years ago and a class b misdemeanor from almost 9 years ago nothing drug or alcohol related and no assault or anything like that. I also ha e not received so much as a traffic ticket since my adult charge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2022 4:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2022 04:46:15 -0400

The reason they are telling you that is because you will not be eligible for an interim clearance. You have to be fully investigated and cleared and that can take a year. Once you're in the Army you can start that process. The Meps is not authorized to lock you in for a job with a clearance that they can't grant you before shipping out.

You don't have to wait for your reclass window for 17C. However, if you don't have some experience in programming you will not likely be accepted into the MOS. It may be an entry level job, but they are looking to fill those seats with applicants who are most likely to pass the course, not people who are being taught from the floor up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2022 12:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2022 12:41:01 -0400

If you can't meet the requirements to maintain at least a Secret clearance, you're not getting in the Army at all. Everyone has to be able to maintain at least a Secret clearance to join. Even if the SM doesn't require access to classified, everyone has to be able to maintain a Secret clearance to join.

Even non-citizen soldiers (legal residents) have to be able to pass the background check for Secret, they just can't get access to classified until they become a citizen.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2022 8:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2022 20:00:12 -0400

What happened to the first post you made about this situation?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2022 10:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2022 10:26:28 -0400

There is probably more into this post, if they see something to recommend a different MOS it means that is going to be hard to get TS required for that course.