Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 1/14/2010

Question
Dear Aaron Shifferly

              For the past few months I have been doing research on enlisting into the armed forces. But the information I have gatherd on one subject leaves me confused, Specificly being the SECRET security clearance background check and medical records. I often read two different answers on this. One person says that they can't and won't check your medical records for a background check on a SECRET clearance. The other say's that they can and will check anything and everything they can find on you that poses interest. The reason this concerns me is that a few years ago I went to see a neurologist. I told them when they took my information down that I smoke marijauans an average of three times a week. Also about six moths ago I hade at most several sessions with a psychologist. Who, due to my not so decent childhood said I show many signs of "social phobia" or "social anxiety". Now if and when I do decide to enlist I would to get a job working with computers or other high tech gizmos. But unfortunately many of these service jobs require some kind of security clearance. So please any information you can give me on this would be much appreciated. And thank you for your time.


Answer
They usually do a background check that involves some sort of medical/psychological qualification so as to ensure that only those who are fit for it get a security clearance. Usually the recruiters ask for information relating to psychological and drug issues regardless of security clearance application. You'll probably be asked to provide records and a note saying you're fit to serve in the military.  If you are able to keep control of yourself without the aid of strong drugs you'll probably still be eligible for the clearance.. it never hurts to talk to the recruiter and see what they say..