How difficult is it to get a Security Clearance in the Army with a DUI on your background check?

Question

My husband is enlisting in the Army but because of a DUI a couple of years ago, his recruiter says he can't get any MOS with a security clearance....is there any way to get a waiver on that or is it pretty much not going to happen??? Also, which MOS' are available that you don't need security clearance???

Answer 1

i was a recruiter from 02 to 05 and totally understand that headache. The major problem when initial recruits enlist is that whatever charge they were initially convicted for is what the waiver is sent for. for example a dui reduced to neg or reckless driving. I am not sure the waiver level through usarec is right now but the army recruiter is not lying to him by any means. Whether the charge was sealed, expunged or dropped it doesnt matter still listed on his ENTNAC(security background check). If he cannot enter the army with a MOS with a security clearance i would advise him to choose a job with a confidential one which every soldier has. He will beable to apply once he is in for a clearance there good for up to 7 years. Hope this helps and good luck to him.

Answer 2

His ASVAB score and physical requirements don't affet his clearance.

With a DUI, it will be near impossible to get a Top Secret... but a a simple clearance that most people have, won't be as difficult.  

Answer 3

If he's not eligible for at least a Secret clearance, he's not eligible for service in the US military at all.  Waivers on that are sometimes granted for non-US nationals but generally only apply for their first term.  If they don't become a US citizen during their first term they must separate at their ETS since foreign nationals cannot receive a security clearance.

I don't know how those folks slip through the cracks and come on board, but I had to process several dozen folks for administrative discharge because they were ineligible for a Secret clearance.  Those weren't for DUIs specifically though a DUI can harm your chances depending upon how long ago it was.

If he can get a waiver to join that would normally apply to a Secret clearance as well however that is not always the case.

Answer 4

There are other MOS's that don;t require a secret clearance, so he might be able to find something that he can do that he likes that he can also do in the civilian world once he gets out without the clearance.