How does military enlistment background check work for friends?

I'm curious about what happens during the military enlistment background check, specifically regarding friends and acquaintances. How in-depth do these checks go, and will my friendships impact my eligibility?

Before you enlist in the military, a thorough background check is conducted. This check is known as the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) review. The depth of this check can vary depending on the military branch and the level of security clearance you need for your job.

The background check typically involves confirming your details, criminal history, financial stability, and perhaps most notably your question, character, and personal conduct. During this process, investigators might reach out to friends, family members, neighbors, and even past employers to acquire a comprehensive understanding of your nature and conduct. This is essential to ensure you embody values like loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability, which are important attributes for someone looking to serve in the military.

Being transparent about your relationships and friendships during these checks is always a good practice. Basically, investigators are looking to identify any red flags, such as connections with criminal activities, foreign contacts, financial liabilities, or drug abuse histories. It's worth mentioning that having friends who have some sort of criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from service. The military understands that we don't always have control over the actions of those in our social circles.

But do remember, the final decision on your eligibility for enlistment always rests with the recruiting command based on consideration of all relevant information. They usually conduct a comprehensive review rather than focusing on individual friendships or connections.