Should I remain in a unit while I wait for a security clearance?

Best to transfer back to the old unit and work in your MOS, because the security clearance issue takes time, and that DI space you are taking up can be given to another NCO that can do more for the ARMY. So see that way and do the right thing for another NCO and for the ARMY.

I would do my MOS until my finances were straightened out and reapply for the clearance prior to transferring back to DS.

If you are wanting to be a Drill Sergeant then do what you need to get your clearance. IF, you are not able or willing to get your clearance at this time than transfer back to your old unit. In the Army a drill sergeant candidate is and actual slot and it is MOS immaterial. ALL of my candidates do only what will prepare them for Drill Sergeant school and only school. So in the end it is up to you and your career path.

I would say do what is best for you. You will not be working your MOS there and that is something that you need to do. Staying physically fit is good. You have no purpose there at drill school at the moment and you will get board of that. I think it might be a good idea to transfer back to your MOS until you get your security clearance straight.

We had a guy in my drill sergeant unit who had the exact same issue except he was an E-5. He stayed in the unit for a year and a half until his issue was resolved. He went to DSS and graduated. I myself went to DSS this April-June and I don't have a security clearance yet.

Ultimately it is your choice. My advice would for you to talk to your Senior NCO and get his input about your situation. But, if it was me I would stay in the unit because all the extra training you get will only help you in the long run in DI School. It may be a little mundane, but that is something you will have to deal with at School and once you are a DI. You need to realize that your training is preparing you to excel at school. Get your clearance issue fixed and training with the DI unit until you go to school. Unlike most going to the school, you will have the advantage of so much more training a preparation for the School. Go for honor grad, which will help you when you are getting looked at E7.

What are the more detailed issues pertaining to your security clearance? (Prior Personnel Security NCO here). Feel free to PM and I'll do my best to provide guidance to help you fast-track the issues.

Why do you take an APFT every month? Are they record APFT's? I remember when I first came out of DS school and returned to my RC unit. They did "monthly APFT's" as well. My Senior Drill insisted that I had to take it. I told him that I had just graduated DSS (the Active Duty school at FLW) and received a COA for getting a 297 a week prior. He still made me take an APFT. I was pissed. This NCO was no PT stud, and if anyone needed to do extra PT it was him. So I got a 180 and called it a day. He wasn't very happy. Is this still common practice in DS units? And if so why???

The first question you have to ask yourself is ultimately, "Do you really want to be a Drill Sergeant?" The follow on questions are, "How bad do you want it?" and, "What are you willing to do to become a Drill Sergeant?" If your organization primarily supports a certain mission, (I believe 4th Brigade does their AT at Fort Leonard Wood every year) You should contact the Fort Leonard Wood Army Community Service office [login to see] ext. 6-0212) and ask to speak with a "command financial specialist" let your counselor know your issues and ask for them to assist you in pulling your credit score. Service members can pull their credit scores from all three major credit reporting bureaus once a year for free if they go through ACS. Your counselor should then assist you with creating a plan to fix issues. When completing your next investigation questionnaire you will be able to specifically identify your current issues, as well as show that there is a plan in place to fix them. If for some reason ACS says they can't help you contact the Fort Leonard Wood Reserve liaison's office (MSG Knuckles, Troy) and let him know what your trying to do and see if he can assist with ACS.