What's required to get security clearance for military jobs?

I know some military roles require security clearances. Can anyone explain what the process for obtaining one looks like? How early should I start preparing, and are there common issues that might delay or prevent approval?

To obtain security clearance for military jobs, you need to go through a process called the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, which is managed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This process primarily consists of a thorough background investigation, which scrutinizes factors such as your loyalty to the United States, character and behavior, financial responsiveness, and overseas connections.

The process typically begins after you've accepted a conditional job offer that requires a security clearance. You'll then be required to fill out a Security Questionnaire, known as the SF-86 if it's for a Top Secret clearance or SF-85 for a Secret clearance. These forms are incredibly detailed, requiring information on your personal history, including relationships, employment, education, financial history, medical and psychological conditions, foreign travel, and any involvement with the police or drugs.

It can take weeks or even months to gather all the information required to complete the questionnaire accurately. As such, it's advisable to start the process as soon as possible after receiving the job offer.

Once your questionnaire has been submitted, it will be reviewed and used to conduct a background investigation. Investigators might talk to your friends, family, neighbors, and past employers. They may also verify the information you've provided, like checking your credit score or corroborating your employment history. For some clearance levels, they could even do a polygraph or lie-detector test.

After your investigation, an adjudicator will review the findings. If the adjudicator finds no notable issues, your clearance will be granted. If there are concerns, more investigation might be done, or you could be asked to provide additional information.

Common issues that can delay or prevent approval include a criminal record, a history of drug use, serious financial problems, or recent citizenship (less than 5 years). The guiding principle behind these checkups is to determine whether you have any factors in your past or present that might make you susceptible to blackmail or coercion.

Remember different military jobs will require different levels of clearance. Therefore any concerns or potential issues should be disclosed as early as possible in the process. Complete honesty is critical to a successful clearance process. Failure to disclose information or dishonesty can have serious consequences, including the loss of job opportunities or clearance eligibility. It's important to remember security checks are done to ensure employees are reliable and trustworthy, not perfect. Many people with past mistakes or issues have successfully obtained security clearance.

Keep in mind that this is a general guide to the process, and depending on the level of security needed for your role and the specific requirements of the agency or military branch, the exact process and timeline can vary. Always consult specific guidance related to your job role and the military branch for the most accurate information.