Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/6/2007

Question
I am currently applying to USMC OCS. I have been told that I have a very low chance of getting approved. I was told that commissioned officers require a Secret security clearance and I am unlikely to get one because of past arrest incidents. My record was not enough to keep me from enlisting and I have had a spotless record since enlisting. My record includes an incident when I was 14 that was sent to a juvenile first offender program two juvenile arrests that were dropped and a no contest misdemeanor battery charge as an adult. I have no history of drug use and haven't been in trouble in over 3 years. Any help or advice would be most welcome.

Answer
Dear Anthony --

All commissioned officers must have a secret security clearance.  However, a prior arrests doesn't guarantee you cannot get a clearance.  The type of offense and how long ago it was can make a difference.  Since your adult offense is a misdemeanor offense it is likely you can get a waiver for it to attend OCS, but there is no guarantee they will accept your waiver.  Then when you apply for your clearance, you must list all your arrests and charges, if the investigators feel you are a risk based on a "pattern of behavior" not just your arrest record, they can deny the clearance.

Getting a clearance is an expensive investigation.  The Marine Corps may not be willing to risk this expense on you until you have more than three years of stellar behavior.  You past misbehavior begins to fall off the self-reporting form on the clearance application after 10 years.  Can you wait 7 more years before becoming an officer?

Write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.