Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I talked to an Army recruiter today and so far I need a Top Secret security Clearance for all the jobs I want.

About 3 or 4 years ago, I was caught walking home with some friends after they stole some games from the PX on a military instillation. I was about 15 years old when this happened, I will be 19 on the 17th of this month. Will this prevent me from passing this security clearance? I have not been convicted of anything at all before or after this happened (1st and last mistake).

One last question, what other things do they look for, or do, for a Top Secret security clearance? (I'll understand if you cant answer this question)


ANSWER: Dear Isaias --

I cannot fully answer your questions, because the details matter.

However, the guidelines on your security clearance application are: be honest about everything, and provide what proof you can to show that your transgressions are in the past, and do not make you a security risk.

If you were arrested for stealing, you will have to report that on your clearance application.  Then you can explain the mitigating circumstances, including the fact that you were a much younger when it happened.

Other than your criminal behavior, your clearance investigator will look at your financial dealings, whether you have drug or alcohol problems, if you have hidden sexual behaviors for which you could be blackmailed, or if you belong to gangs, hate organizations or any organization that wishes to overthrow the U.S. government.  If you have issues in these areas, you would be denied a clearance.  But if you lie about not having problems that you do have, and your investigator discovers them, your clearance will also be denied.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok. i also smoked marijuana 2x around that time. will there be any way for them to find out?

should i tell them about that too? i dont do that anymore and id rather stay away from all that and not get involved with any of that anymore.

ANSWER: Dear Isiais -

Again you should declare what you did and that it was "youthful experimentation" if that is what it was.

Your clearance investigator is going to talk to people that knew you, not just the folks you put down as references.  If any of them will comment on your marijuana, you would be considered lying on your clearance application and denied a clearance.  So I recommend full honesty.

If your clearance is initially denied, you should appeal for adjudication.  This is a formal process with limited time to petition, be certain to start it before the initial deadline.

Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I heard that sometimes, for a Top Secret Security Clearance, they do polygraph Tests (lie detecter test), do they really do that?
what type of drug tests do they do? hair, urine, or blood?

I'm probably just worrying too much about this, i know I'll probably be ok.

Answer
Dear Isaias --

Yes, for some top secret clearances you have to take a polygraph test.  They can do any or all of the drug screening, though it will usually be hair and urine.

No they do not search your house, but they can do a google search, and they will review any public sites, associated with your name, that they can find.

Good luck to you.