Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just recently signed my contract to go to OCS under DEP. I ship in January.
My recruiter had told me that the only traffic tickets I would need to list
would be ones that are not paid or that exceeded $250. So when I went
through everything I just didn't worry about listing the few tickets I have had.
I had been looking around online about when I would find out I pass my
security clearance and see all these things about listing everything no matter
what.
My question is... what do I do now?? I wasn't trying to withhold the tickets
because I was scared about them or something, I was just under a false
impression. I know for OCS I have to get a secret clearance and I don't want
them to pop up later and for me to find out half-way through OCS that I
failed my security clearance and cannot become an officer. What in the world
should I do now?

ANSWER: Dear Ryan --

If you have already filled out your security clearance paperwork, then when you go for your security clearance interview, take all your records, and a written statement of what you just told me and give that to your interviewer.  You should have no problem with your clearance.  If you have not filled out your clearance application, when you do, list EVERYTHING.  If there are mitigating circumstances, then in the remarks discuss the mitigating circumstances.

If you have already filled out your application and had your clearance interview, then if the clearance application is denied, you can petition to have it adjudicated, and provide the paperwork and statement then as i have described above.  You must request adjudication within 14 days of receiving a notification of your application's status.

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





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

QUESTION: Ms Bedell,
Thank you for your prompt response.
I have already met with my security interviewer and filled out the paperwork.
As I stated, my main concern is failing the clearance and being told during
OCS I must now go to AIT and fulfill my 3 year commitment by enlisting.
Do you know about when I might find out if I am granted my clearance? Since
I do not ship until January should I find out beforehand?
Also, if during OCS I am pulled aside to have another security interview, what
might happen if I explain this all to them at that point? Would I be able to
submit new security paperwork now and possibly get everything worked out
even though I have already boarded and signed?
Thank you again for your help. I don't want to be overreacting, I just want to
know I can work it out and still become an officer.

Answer
Dear Ryan --

Yes, usually if they find an issue with your clearance application they will ask you for more information or another statement, but not always.

You should find out if you have a clearance or an interim clearance before you report for basic training.  You will be better off if you know you have a full clearance before you go.  If you only have an interim, it could come to pass that you are denied a clearance and then unable to attend OCS.

However, as I said, if your clearance is denied, you can request adjudication.  If all you say is true, the adjudication will find in your favor and you will get your clearance.

Good luck to you.