How do I get a security clearance?

Speak to your security manager

Depending how old the DUI is you may not be granted a clearance for up to 7 years. It depends on the state and how the courts report. You can write to the court that you received your conviction in. You must explain that you are now in the military and this is affecting your career. Make sure to say something about how you have matured since the incident and you have learned your lesson. Some courts will reduce it to a reckless/careless driving and not a DUI especially after you have already paid your fines and completed court requirements. Be patient, talk to your chain of command and also your unit security manager.

This is one of the things that has always puzzled me about security clearances. A young American stubs his toe while in his teens. Granted a DUI reflects a lack of maturity. But think about all the people in the military who have clearances because they did not get caught. But you take a person who was born in a foreign country who has a skill that Uncle Sam needs and wallah, instant clearance. Of course they say they have conducted a background check on that individual but how much information can be gathered on someone born in a foreign country. Personally, I feel that someone who was arrested on a misdemeanor charge should be able to get a clearance if he/she had not been in trouble since it happened. I know that during my military career I lost many knowledgeable soldiers because they could not get a clearance because of something that happened in their teen years, like a DUI or fist fight.