Top Secret Clearance (TS) -SF 86 necessary?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:29:28 -0400

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 2:33 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:33:46 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jul 11 at 2019 3:47 PM

SFC Michael D. — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 15:47:03 -0400

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"

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 11 at 2019 3:57 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 15:57:00 -0400

There are only 20 pages that you would need to fill out. Any more than that and you aren't getting TS anyway.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 4:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 16:11:26 -0400

The SF 86 contains all the information needed for your clearance investigation. A lot of S2 ships require you to complete a paper copy because you will only have 5 days to input all the information into e-qip. If you miss the 5 day window you will need a menu from your battalion commander to re open your investigation.
Having a paper copy already filled out helps ensure you have all the required information and can S2 can review your paper copy to ensure you properly format the info for e-qip. Once the data is transferred into e-qip, the system generates an electronic SF 86 that OPM uses for your investigation. Unless you are trying to put in a packet to go 35 series, you will not be getting a TS. TS investigations cost a lot of money so you must be in an MTOE position that needs the clearance to perform duties. That requirement can be waived with a memo from your battalion commander, but they won't have a reason for said memo for a SPC 19D.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 9:02 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 21:02:29 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Dale London made Jul 11 at 2019 10:09 PM

SSG Dale London — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 22:09:06 -0400

You absolutely MUST complete the SF 86. You won't get to an interview without it.
Well, there is ONE alternative: an order from POTUS. But my guess is that won't be happening.

Response by SPC Ted Ronayne made Jul 11 at 2019 10:35 PM

SPC Ted Ronayne — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 22:35:56 -0400

You need to fill out the paperwork, it sucks but such is life. A TS is a much more stringent process than a secret. Make sure you fill out the sf86 as throughly as humanly possible.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 11 at 2019 11:36 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 23:36:20 -0400

No. But there will be an interview.

Response by SGT Richard Ahlstrom made Jul 11 at 2019 11:38 PM

SGT Richard Ahlstrom — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 23:38:30 -0400

I do background investigations for the last 11 years. It starts with the SF86 period. Be accurate and answer the question completely and don't go beyond what the question asks. If the question asks for where you lived for the last 10 years, don't write down 20 years of addresses to be helpful. It only slows down your investigation. Tell your friends to answer their phones and return calls from the investigator. Failure to do so slows down your investigation. You do the same you'd be surprised the number of subjects who don't cooperate. Keep a copy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 11:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 23:46:23 -0400

Its a must for a TS/SCI, once you hit this clearance level everything impacts it, just be honest, as a soldier you should be able to fly through it with no problem. You will need at least three references and I believe your work history for the investigating officer (I did this about 4 years ago the process may have changed a tad). Everything you say about yourself will be questions for your references, make sure you pick the right people if you get what I’m saying. Also depending what type of work you do there will be a polygraph test as well, be as honest as possible with that because that in itself could reopen the investigation. The current system is backlogged months, so once your clearance is submitted your commander can put in a memo to expedite the process if you are mission essential (try your best to get that regardless) but this is a great opportunity. That clearance is worth a lot of money as a civilian and opens up many doors for you. If you need any more information you can find me on enterprise or pm me. Good Luck

Response by SGT James Murphy made Jul 12 at 2019 12:45 PM

SGT James Murphy — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 12:45:37 -0400

You should be talking to your advocate officer.....