Posted on Jul 11, 2019
SGT Team Leader
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So my S2 has given me instructions to complete an SF 86 (which is 126 pages) for my Top Secret clearance, but I never did one before for my Secret clearance as a civilian conducted an interview in person and that was that. Now I am wondering if I can do just the interview portion for TS, or skip the SF 86 entirely and speed up the process?

Also, this is for a re-class packet to 17C, which does state a TS clearance is required prior to acceptance.
Edited 5 y ago
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Responses: 11
MAJ C Co E Liaison Officer To I Cdid
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You did an SF86 for your first Secret clearance. You may not have known it, but your recruiter probably asked you questions and filled it out for you. The old system would allow this; it was what my recruiter did to me 16 years ago. The interview is just to fill in gaps and get clarification of your answers. There is no way around the SF86. At least now you can do it online. Start getting your info together so you can fill out your SF86, because you only get 5 days to fill out the form once you have access to it.
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SGT Team Leader
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Damn, okay. Thank you very much for the info!
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SFC Michael D.
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If you want the clearance, just fill out the paperwork. I promise, you're hand won't fall off. Seriously though, look at all the security breaches that have happened. You're filling out that paperwork for a good reason. "Handle it Soldier"
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TSgt Senior Cyberwarfare Capabilities Instructor/Integrator
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No way to speed up the process. Read the instructions CAREFULLY and make sure there are no gaps. For MOST dates when asking FROM/TO, month and year are OK. Some require exact dates. Use the paper copy to record your responses before putting into E-QIP. Thankfully, they have improved the process where you don't have to do this data collection every time now. When you are ready to submit, be sure to print off a copy and keep it secure with your personal papers DO NOT LOSE IT. You will need it when your periodic review comes up.

Disclose EVERYTHING. I do mean everything. If you try to hide it, it will come back to haunt you later and you could be denied the clearance.
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SGT Team Leader
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Yes, you are right. In other words, though, when applying for or renewing said clearance, you just need to fill in what changed from the last submission of the SF 86 to the time you're applying for it now. Of course if this is the first SF 86, you'll need to go back 10 years, I believe.
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TSgt Senior Cyberwarfare Capabilities Instructor/Integrator
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Check carefully. Depending on your age, it's ten years or to your 16th birthday, whichever is longer. Good Luck
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