Posted on Aug 7, 2020
What are the requirements for a Top Secret clearance?
9.77K
36
28
5
5
0
I had a little credit trouble 4 years ago, my recruiter has told me he can still get me through with a job that requires TS clearance - is that true? Doesn’t the person at MEPS pull that information up during the TS “interview?”
Security Clearance
89D: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
Potential Recruit
Recruit
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
7
7
0
Be truthful. Supply all information when requested. You should be ok unless you have stuff in your background
(7)
(0)
5
5
0
For the love of god don't be evasive about anything. Don't think you are outsmarting anyone.
Saw a kid in MEPS end up getting medically disqualified because he was being defensive/evasive with the doctor (remember, just because they are in civilian clothes doesn't mean they aren't prior military) who was a retired COL. So now he's disqualified for all services across the board.
Few years later, saw a 68W trying to get re-classed into my unit as a 35F (Intel Analyst) and was evasive about his loser family with his background investigator. His clearance upgrade took forever, then he tried to appeal the rejection and lost. Ended up going back to a medical unit.
Lay it all out there. Focus on the question being asked, don't try and divert the conversation. They are investigating with their own process, and need to get to the next packet as soon as possible. If you make them work for it, and then they find a way to disqualify you they are going to take the easier path and move onto the next packet.
Saw a kid in MEPS end up getting medically disqualified because he was being defensive/evasive with the doctor (remember, just because they are in civilian clothes doesn't mean they aren't prior military) who was a retired COL. So now he's disqualified for all services across the board.
Few years later, saw a 68W trying to get re-classed into my unit as a 35F (Intel Analyst) and was evasive about his loser family with his background investigator. His clearance upgrade took forever, then he tried to appeal the rejection and lost. Ended up going back to a medical unit.
Lay it all out there. Focus on the question being asked, don't try and divert the conversation. They are investigating with their own process, and need to get to the next packet as soon as possible. If you make them work for it, and then they find a way to disqualify you they are going to take the easier path and move onto the next packet.
(5)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Travis Leutbecher - A few things. Mainly they are looking for the ability to be entrusted with sensitive classified information, and then potential influence from a foreign source. How they decide that is something I am not privy to. If they ask a question then answer. Being slopping with credit is an indication you are sloppy with sensitive information.
I knew a Military Intel Reserve Officer officer with relatives in the Iranian Military. He managed to convince someone to grant him a clearance. It just depends. Remember, being an idiot with classified information and leaving it laying around is just as bad as being a spy.
In regard to seeking a clearance and wanting a cool job not behind a desk in something like EOD, well more than a few of the folks in my Intel Analyst class were washouts from EOD, and there is nothing more behind the desk than a 35F. There are relatively WAY MORE behind the desk jobs with TS/SCI than there are those out running around kicking in doors and defusing bombs. So if you fail out of the cool door kicker job with a TS you're going someplace much more tame with the same clearance.
I knew a Military Intel Reserve Officer officer with relatives in the Iranian Military. He managed to convince someone to grant him a clearance. It just depends. Remember, being an idiot with classified information and leaving it laying around is just as bad as being a spy.
In regard to seeking a clearance and wanting a cool job not behind a desk in something like EOD, well more than a few of the folks in my Intel Analyst class were washouts from EOD, and there is nothing more behind the desk than a 35F. There are relatively WAY MORE behind the desk jobs with TS/SCI than there are those out running around kicking in doors and defusing bombs. So if you fail out of the cool door kicker job with a TS you're going someplace much more tame with the same clearance.
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Oh, in regard to the medical, you are going to have to look up the initial exam regulations for entry into the military (they are out there). They go through you inside out, top to bottom. Bring with you all documentation pertaining to medical procedures you ever had. I disclosed I had LASIK and MEPS haulted my exam, and it burned up 3 months time getting my civilian medical records, and I lost my OCS path, had to enlist, and direct commission after I enlisted. It cost me 4 years time that would have otherwise been Officer time.
(2)
(0)
Travis Leutbecher
Travis Leutbecher other people are giving me very clear and helpful answers. What in the hell would a troll gain from this? With these specific of questions? Anyways I appreciate your input, I try to gain as much info as I can because it’s how i like to do things, I'm brand new to this site just learning how you all run this. No need to get to protective.
(1)
(0)
Travis Leutbecher
CPT (Join to see) Thank you, I really appreciate your info, I’m sure new guys like me drive the experienced people crazy with their questions but it really helps a lot - I could tell right from the get go that recruiters are really intent on getting you to sign period, and could care less where you actually end up or how drawn our your process is.
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
Your credit is a factor and will be a consideration on whether or not you qualify for a TS or not. It really depends on what type of “trouble” you’re talking about.
SFC (Join to see)
Travis Leutbecher the infantry is just about the fastest promoting MOS in the Army short term, and long term definitely the fastest over a 20 year career span. Especially if you get your Ranger Tab
(2)
(0)
Suspended Profile
I live by a few good rules in my career that always seem to help out.
1: do things (jobs, assignments, extra duties) that others are not willing to do.
2: majority of your promotions come from weapons/PT/ college, so make that your focus.
You’ll learn early what it takes, it’s just more about doing it when others are not willing to. Travis Leutbecher
1: do things (jobs, assignments, extra duties) that others are not willing to do.
2: majority of your promotions come from weapons/PT/ college, so make that your focus.
You’ll learn early what it takes, it’s just more about doing it when others are not willing to. Travis Leutbecher
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
Travis Leutbecher Be a standout performer. Not a standout DUD.
If you perform to the best of your ability, dedicate yourself to being a better Soldier and demonstrate that desire as you seek to improve yourself via education avenues available, you will be promoted.
You must give to succeed!
If you perform to the best of your ability, dedicate yourself to being a better Soldier and demonstrate that desire as you seek to improve yourself via education avenues available, you will be promoted.
You must give to succeed!
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Travis Leutbecher - 35F is also pretty fast. But you have to do the job. Then by time your contract is up, most bounce with their TS/SCI in hand for $$$ contractor jobs.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
If you have anything in collections you better figure out payment plans or pay it off ASAP and have proof of such. I had to jump thru a few hoops owing about 4K to get a secret clearance due to mishaps in my late teens early 20’s
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
No one on here can give you a definite answer to your question no matter how you present it. Go talk with a recruiter, don’t withhold any information because they can find out EVERYTHING even if you don’t disclose it to them. FYI, when the investigators conduct their research, they go back a minimum of 10yrs on you and your family members to include cousins, aunts and uncles and any references you list....
(2)
(0)
As mentioned by CPT (Join to see), quit playing what if games about answering questions honestly. Be truthful in all oral or written answers or you will not like the results. You can do your own research. Vote up those that have taken the time to answer you as opposed to just those that feed you the answers that you like. You are asking questions that you can look up yourself and I am starting to think that you are a troll with your repetitive posts and endless questions.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
When I joined I had a boat load of credit issues mostly debt to income related. I made a lot of bad choices before I joined. It is a factor but not immediate disqualification. Things being repossessed, accounts in collections, and the like are treated more serious but you don't know until you try. Have solutions to ongoing problems and explanations for past mishaps. Do not make excuses own your past mistakes.
(2)
(0)
Travis Leutbecher
If I am able to pay the two collections accounts I have, in full prior to going to process, this problem will no longer exist correct?
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Travis Leutbecher it would make your case for having made mistakes and owning them and fixing the problem. Try to get all your ducks in a row before starting the process so when it is brought up you can say that has been resolved. Makes use you answer all the questions truthfully they understand mistakes happen but lies are unforgivable. I can't guarantee an out come, but worse case you have started the procedd for your own financial success.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google