How can I obtain a top secret security clearance?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:06:54 -0400

I already have my security clearance. I’m looking to get my top security clearance. Can anybody help me
On that?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 2 at 2019 12:13 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:13:26 -0400

Granted my perspective is old, very old, but I can't imagine that much has changed in this regards. I held TOP SECRET/CRYPTO/SIOP-ESI (I imagine the last designation may have changed). There were other clearances but even the names were classified. I received these clearances out of the necessity of my position as operations officer for a strategic communications center (USARPAC). I never heard of anyone receiving any clearance beyond the basic SECRET unless it was necessary for them to accomplish their duties. Thus, I would expect that you too must rise to some position requiring a TOP SECRET clearance before you would receive it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 12:15 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:15:23 -0400

To get a TS, you must be enroute to a school and/or duty position that requires it, i.e. a need to know.
If that is the case, someone in your BN or BDE S2 can get you started.
If that is not the case, your eQIP will be kicked back.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Sep 2 at 2019 12:48 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:48:11 -0400

Unless your job requires it, you will not get a TS.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Sep 2 at 2019 2:20 PM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 14:20:33 -0400

Why do you want a TS?

Response by 1SG Tony Reaux made Sep 3 at 2019 12:51 AM

1SG Tony Reaux — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 00:51:06 -0400

You must be put in a position that requires that level of access. Intelligence MOS’s have more
TS Clearances, along with communications, Comsec, And a few more. TS clearances are now around $100,000 to get one done & approved....approaching 90K when I was doing the investigations on soldiers for their clearances. The last 15 yrs of your life are thoroughly investigated......

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 3 at 2019 10:39 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:39:39 -0400

You don't get to just 'upgrade' a clearance. It isn't an airplane seat. You have to be assigned to a position that requires a TS level clearance. In the military, you should check around and see if there are any volunteer positions available in your MOS that require a TS clearance, and then try to land one of those jobs. Then the DOD will have to upgrade your clearance in order for you to do the job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2019 10:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:43:47 -0400

You have to have a need for a TS, otherwise you aren't eligible for one.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Sep 3 at 2019 4:36 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:36:18 -0400

Try out for the Ranger Regiment after 5 years, pass selection for SF or SOF. You will get an TS once you make the E-7 list.