What could be some determining factors for your SSBI to fail? What do they generally look for when making the determination?

SN Kevin Neff — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 05:12:58 -0400

I've decided to join the Coast Guard as a prior service member. I'm going to go for the IS rate which requires a TS/SCI clearance. I had one before when I was a Navy ET and nothing's really changed since I was in personally, but I'm still a little worried about it failing.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 5:14 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 05:14:49 -0400

As long as you tell the truth on the forms and interviews, you should be fine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 8:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 08:44:09 -0400

The biggest one I've seen is lying.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 9:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 09:44:17 -0400

Ummmm.....if nothing has really changed, then why worry about it failing?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 10:33 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 10:33:55 -0400

If nothing changed you good

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 28 at 2016 10:40 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 10:40:20 -0400

I got mine years ago, when they really looked into your background. They missed nothing. There is no reason to be concerned unless something has changed from the original, in fact they will probably use the same group to conduct the review.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 11:34 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 11:34:08 -0400

You reminded me of a friend who was questioned about his statements. He mistakenly said he was living in Germany, but working in the States for the same time period. He told me he was tempted to answer, yes that is correct but it was a Hell of a commute.

I think THAT might have have prevented him from being cleared.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 28 at 2016 2:14 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 14:14:58 -0400

Not sure when you last held a clearance but other than any credit/debt or legal problems, if nothings changed it shouldn't be a problem. However any travel abroad may slow the process.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 9:02 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 21:02:44 -0400

Having investigated hundreds of SSBIs as a special agent in CGIS, I will give you the best advice I can:

1. Cross every T and dot every I.
2. Fill in every blank that is required of you.
3. Make sure you have A+ contact information on all your personal references. Check and recheck. It is not against the law to let each of them know you are using them as a reference.
4. Make sure you have all your required public schools, all your required home addresses, all your required employment information, and it is ALL correct and complete with checked and rechecked required references. People really fudge on these particular references.
5. DO NOT FORGET to list all traffic tickets, DUIs, or misdemeanors for which you were charged, even if charges were dropped. Very important. Screwing up on this one can almost be a deal breaker. Felonies, well, that could really hang you, but we both know that.
6. Financial matters are also very important. Bad credit, gambling problems, are supposed to subject one to potential influence of a nefarious kind. Problems here could definitely be a deal buster.

Basically, Kevin, just because you had a clearance in the Navy, it's not a shoe in. Everyone, officer and enlisted alike who is in need of a Secret or Top Secret clearance for their job, must undergo an SSBI every five years (unless things have drastically changed). I went through it five times. I once investigated an O-6 who sat on the bench of the South Dakota Supreme Court. You should have see his SSBI references!!! But that's another story. IF you have nothing to hide, you should have zero worries. Again, worst things are omissions, innocent or flagrant, as in trying to skate something by under the radar. Proofread that sucker until you have it memorized. Have someone else proofread it. You'd be surprised what they might see that you didn't.

I'm thrilled you've chosen the USCG. The transition won't be hard at all. We're just a very large family, and you will see and hear evidence of that the longer you stay in. Eventually, I never went anywhere I didn't know someone. Of course, when I showed up, the word was out quickly that the FUZZ was on base, and no one one wanted anything to do with me!!!

You have any issues or questions, you know who to call!!! Gook luck!!!

Response by CPO James Clopton made Oct 25 at 2016 3:10 PM

CPO James Clopton — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:10:05 -0400

The primary reason they look at your credit report is to determine if a foreign entity could use your financial situation to either bribe or blackmail you. It can also reveal any problem(s) you might have with impulsive or reckless spending. They're concerned with parking or moving violations, because that could indicate recklessness, as well as how responsible you are in regards to paying them off. Depending on how long it's been since your last SSBI, they may only do cursory personal interviews with the contacts you listed; they usually only ask brief questions, then ask your contacts for names of OTHER people who know/knew you. They know the folks you listed will give a good report, so they want more from people who may or may not have your best interest in mind. Overall, investigators are looking for evidence that you lack self control or are easily controlled, are deceitful or easily deceived. As has been discussed before, THE NUMBER ONE reason for disapproval is lying!! Trust that anything 'negative' in your submission will be found out; it's IMPERATIVE that you come clean from the start!

Response by CMDCM John Holland made Jun 16 at 2018 7:53 PM

CMDCM John Holland — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 19:53:24 -0400

Throughout my military and civil service careers we were always told to keep copies. While nothing may have changed at times it be “dotting a t” or “crossing an I” — the investigators notice the ripples and it will trigger an interview. While we’re in the “paperless” environment it’s always important to be able to cover your six.

Response by MCPO David Mattingly made Jun 16 at 2018 9:55 PM

MCPO David Mattingly — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 21:55:31 -0400

If you have been truthful on your SF86 with good credit and law enforcement issues you should be OK. You may have to do a CI polygraph at some point. Good luck