Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Top Secret Clearance and Citizenships

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Expert: - 2/17/2008


Question
Hi! I recently took the ASVAB and saw that I (so far) qualify for the Navy CTI rating, the one I want. The other exams I should manage. The biggest problem I see so far is the TOP SECRET clearance. I have no criminal record what so ever, but I do have a foreign citizenship (Swedish). Both me and my entire family are dual citizens (American/Swedish). A family friend who is a commissioned officer with 20+ years of Navy experience just basically shook his head and said "TOP SECRET? Not happening. Well, maybe if you revoke your other citizenship". I certainly do not want to do that. Is it really a must and is there any way around it?

Answer
Troy:

 Realistically, it will make things more difficult for you to obtain a clearance, but my suggestion is to talk this over with your recruiter and the folks at MEPS and see what they think.  I do know of people who have TS clearances who hold dual citizenship...or are married to foriegn nationals, so it's possible.   Again, though, talk to your recruiter and they can point you in the right direction.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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