So, I've done it.. Joined the Air Force Reserve

[SA Friday]

Yea, I confirmed this with my recruiter Thomas, he did say that I would be going in as an E-3 right out of BMT. Pretty cool.

Say, since i'm going in SF, do I need a secret clearance, or will a regular confidential do? I already have to paperwork to fill out for a secret clearance, but IDK if I will be able to obtain one (My ex wife destroyed my credit by defaulting on our mortgage, and ran up thousands in CC debt)

That stuff is still there, and haunting me, and I refuse to file chapter 7 to get rid of it.

THink it will screw me?

You will require a secret clearance minimum for the AFSC, and the majority of the ANG SFS in your unit have TS/SCI security clearances. If you go to Schreiver, you will require a TS/SCI at a MINIMUM. There's less need for the TS at Peterson, but just barely. Don't be suprised if you have to do an SF 83 immediately upon your return from Tech school. It will take about 2-3 years to adjudicate the TS/SCI clearance request after filing for it.

[TennVol]

I "celebrated" my 24th birthday at BMTS and I was the "old guy" in my flight. Don't worry, the time will fly by for you. I just retired after 25 years on active duty and it seems like just yesterday I was being yelled at to "pick them up, put them down" (our suitcases).

Also, I just started a job that requires a TS/SCI. I just submitted my paperwork and my security manager said they are being adjudicated in about six months now. If that's true, that is a HUGE improvement from a few years ago.

[ryanek9freak]

You will require a secret clearance minimum for the AFSC, and the majority of the ANG SFS in your unit have TS/SCI security clearances. If you go to Schreiver, you will require a TS/SCI at a MINIMUM. There's less need for the TS at Peterson, but just barely. Don't be suprised if you have to do an SF 83 immediately upon your return from Tech school. It will take about 2-3 years to adjudicate the TS/SCI clearance request after filing for it.

What is an SF 83? Update, was supposed to go to MEPS tomorrow morning at 5 am, just got a call from my recruiter, and had to cancell the trip, I guess when they do saturday appointments, they have to do the ASVAB on friday night, starting at 5pm. I found out about this at 4:30.

So I had to reschedule for 2 weeks from now. Sucks.

[jerrymrc]

It is now an SF-86. I just had to re-do my SF-85 since I am not in a wiz-bang field. They ask the same questions.

[SA Friday]

What is an SF 83? Update, was supposed to go to MEPS tomorrow morning at 5 am, just got a call from my recruiter, and had to cancell the trip, I guess when they do saturday appointments, they have to do the ASVAB on friday night, starting at 5pm. I found out about this at 4:30.

So I had to reschedule for 2 weeks from now. Sucks.

It's the form they have you fill out to do your background investigation. Essentially, it's everything you've done, everyone who knows you or is related to you, and everywhere you've been for the last 10 years. Every boss you've had too. It's the paper form of a colonoscopy.

Ya, it's an SF form 86... one of those 80 numbers. You'll know it when it's coming regarless what its called, kinda like the lubed finger....

[GunTroll]

I'm tired of shitty dead end jobs, tired of paying for school myself. I want to get into law enforcement, so I signed up for security forces.

I feel like a dumbass going through BMT as a 30 year old, but whatever, it will be worth it.

Would have gone full enlistment, but I"m too old.

Wish me luck, I ship out at the end of march.

Good for you man! I whent Army at 25 so you'll be fine.

[ryanek9freak]

It's the form they have you fill out to do your background investigation. Essentially, it's everything you've done, everyone who knows you or is related to you, and everywhere you've been for the last 10 years. Every boss you've had too. It's the paper form of a colonoscopy.

Ya, it's an SF form 86... one of those 80 numbers. You'll know it when it's coming regarless what its called, kinda like the lubed finger....

I already have that form, and am filling it out as we speak.

Ok so hypothetical...what happens if you're already enlisted, and you cant get a clearance? What do they do with you then?

[SA Friday]

Unless you have something like being a member of the communist party in your background, you shouldn't have an issue with getting a secret. TS standards are a bit higher, but I've known more than a few with serious financial issues in their background get their TS. Just be honest on the thing. Let the investigator do their job and it should work out. Current financial responsibility is a mitigating factor, and explaining what occurred helps too. Just don't lie or you're toast. Let me explain 'lie'. An omission through lack of information isn't a lie. Omission or alteration of information for the sake of deception is. So, you can't find the address of an old girlfriend, fine give what you have. You omit being incarcerated... It all boils down to integrity.

Already enlisted and can't get the necessary clearance = AFSC reclassification into another job that doesn't require a clearance or a gen discharge (no harm, no foul type discharge).

[jerrymrc]

I already have that form, and am filling it out as we speak.

Ok so hypothetical...what happens if you're already enlisted, and you cant get a clearance? What do they do with you then?

I will tell you one thing. If it has ever been a matter of record DO NOT LIE. The form is simple but the result is not. If you have ever been arrested it will show up. Anything that is between you and the 4 walls....

Now that said this is the age of the computer. ANYTHING that has been posted on the WWW is now a record. That's why us old folks don't give a crap. And I will agree with SA Friday.

[ryanek9freak]

Well, i have a zero criminal record, and the only court records you'll find on me are my divorce proceedings. I have no reason to lie about anything. I think I might have to attatch additional sheets to my financial obligations section, as they only give you four slots to list them all. I have way more than 4.

Beleive me, I would NEVER lie on a form like that. You might as well shoot yourself in the foot.