What is checked in a secret clearance?

Question

My college roommate is going for AF OTS. She put me down as a reference on her SF-86 and in the paperwork she needed for a secret clearance. What exactly does a secret clearance check? Do they call the references? Are they going to call me? I am kind of in a bind because I know she has done drugs and I don't think she disclosed that info. I am also going into the military so I don't want to get in trouble covering for her. I rather not be contacted.

Answer 1

For a Secret clearance, all they check are finances, and any record of convictions or court appearances - all compared to what you disclosed on your forms.  If she has a DUI and disclosed it - no problem.  The only time that you would be contacted is if there is a situation where they found info that she didn't disclose.  THEN they'd come out and interview you.

If your friend ever went for a TOP SECRET clearance, then the investigators would be all over you... and they may not even tell you they are doing an investigation.  They'll just befriend you and ask questions about your friend - to see if there is any info that she lied about on her forms.  No lies - no problems.

Answer 2

NCIC actually sends out agents to talk with your references, H.S. teachers and check with the local police to see if you had any record.

That does put you in a moral dilemma. You better ask your friend is she told the truth or not. If she didn't and you lie about it, it will affect your ability to get a clearance. Trust me, they checkup on these things and keep written records.

The only choice now is wether you want to take a chance and cover for her and possibly s***w up your life or do you tell the truth ?

Answer 3

A "secret" clearance is a very low level clearance and not all that hard to get.

First they do a simple background check through the FBI.   They do that when you enlist or get a commission so they just confirm the information.   They look for felonies,  criminal charges,  etc.  

Second they check the information you put on your enlistment/commissioning papers.  If anything you put down does not match up,  bells go off and they hold up on the clearance until they find out why.    Example:  if you say you were never married and they find out you were,  you have some heavy explaining to do.  

Third they might check with your last school to see if you were a problem kid or not.   Does not matter if it was high school or college,  they ask.   If anything comes back, they investigate it.

That is about it for a secret clearance.    If you need a top secret clearance or a SCI,  they really start digging.    Being a 2-3 generation American really helps with that.  

Answer 4

That is c**p: all your answers thus far...they do check all but the people you put down for references better be someone that will cover you or not know of your bad.

I was in the U.S. Navy for 8 years and knew so many people with secret clearances that did not have squeaky clean backgrounds, some found later, after clearance to have felonies and assault charges.  So, first you should use your knowledge of being in military, you know it is mostly a joke, no one wants to work, and when they do it is half#@ssed.  

Answer 5

They didnt call my reference for 3c031 top secrete clearance.  Best of Luck.  Best of Luck.  She wont be able to get secrete clearance if drugs are in her background.  I didnt have to file anything extra to get top secrete clearace.  maybe they just used my original reference.  They also do a credit check.  So....hopefully her credit is shot.  and no worries on you :)

Answer 6

They most certainly do.  

You need to answer any questions they have honestly and let the chips fall where they may.

You should also be aware that the investigators take all the references in to account.  

Your statements for/against her will not be taken as gospel but part of the whole.  

Answer 7

Remember above gave you a great response.  No calls for a Secret check.

If she did go for her TS and they do call, simply make yourself unavailable for interview if you don't want to a) potentially hurt your friend or b) lie.

I'll also add for anyone reading that may be seeking a TS; past drug use isn't an automatic disqualifer. Lying about it can be, but having used drugs in the past and having the courage to tell the truth about it isn't that big of a deal. So always be honest. That's what kills people on getting a clearance.