AboutJames Bell Expertise I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations.
NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Question Is bankruptcy a disqualifying event for obtaining a secret or top secret clearance in the Military? If one is already in the Military, can they loose their clearance by filing bankruptcy? What are the disqualifying events? Are there justifications for filing bankruptcy that will prevent one from loosing their clearance? Are some causes of bankruptcy more acceptable than others? Does the government look more favorable on debt or bankruptcy? Your time concerning this matter is greatly appreciated!
Answer Mitch -
I know that financial issues can lead to security issues in that you could make yourself prone to foreign influence if you have something an enemy foreign government might be able to exploit. But, that in itself does not cause you to lose or become ineligible for a higher security clearance. The approval and review of any clearance is on a case-by-case basis.
If you are worried that a bankruptcy may affect a current or future security clearance, I would strongly suggest you visit the base Staff Judge Advocate and discuss your finances with them. They would be more qualified to give you guidance on whether your situation may put your clearance at risk, and may offer alternatives. Again, I can't speculate on any of that as my area of expertise wasn't not in the legal or security fields.
