Army Enlistment/Security Clearance DQ Questions?

Question

I am 22 and considering joining the Army when I graduate college this June. I will have a BA in Speech Communication. I am thinking heavily about pursing a MOS 35P: Cryptologic Linguist. This requires a security clearance and thus I have some concerns that may also affect my potential enlistment in general. If any of the following issues could hurt me in the enlistment/security clearance process I would appreciate some feedback. Also if anybody has experience with waivers for these issues I would like to hear about it as well

Legal Issues: 
    2007- Suspended License: 
    My license was suspended due to an unpaid speeding ticket. After a couple months I raised the money and paid it off. I was reissued a license and have had no incidents for over a year.

    2006- Minor in Possession: I was found with alcohol in my motor vehicle. This occurred on a military base and was handled by the magistrate court system. I completed a 6-month diversion and paid a $35 fine.

Besides these incidents I only have 2 speeding tickets in 2004 and in 2007.

Medical Issues:
   2005- Kidney Stones: I pretty sure this isn't a major issue, as I have not had any reoccurring problems, but I've heard it can be an issue when joining the military.

    2003- Torn ACL/MCL in knee: Injured knee during summer sports practice, rehabbed and followed physical therapy and competed in high school sports for a year and a half after the surgery.

   2003- Treated for Depression: I was diagnosed and treated for depression at age 14. I attended therapy and took anti-depressant medication for about three months. Latter was taken off medication and ended therapy. I have not had any incidents since treatment.

Other Issues- Only run of the mill stuff in my opinion (sprains, flu, broken finger while in high school) 

I very much want to serve my country and would be happy with anyone with firsthand knowledge on the enlistment and security clearance process to assist. Thanks

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The most important thing is to be honest when you answer the questionairre.  

Generally speaking, background checks for security clearances are only looking for two things: connections to organizations with anti-American sentiment, and reliability -- which includes truthfulness.  If you had medical or mental health issues in the past, and they are resolved now, they should not negatively affect your clearance.  Lying about these past issues, however, can.  Checks for clearances are very thorough; that's why they are so expensive and take so long.  

The DOD recently changed their policy on mental health counseling and security clearances.  You can google news articles on the subject; I linked to one in the source section.  Basically, the only thing they are permitted to ask a mental health provider about you is whether or not you currently have a condition which could possibly affect your judgment and handling of matters of national security. They aren't permitted to ask for the details from counseling sessions, and providers aren't required to give them.

The other incidents probably won't hurt you individually.  However, if you have a long string of such minor incidents, it can raise questions about your character.  Keep in mind that they will also look at your credit history.  If poor finances were the reason you didn't pay your speeding ticket, that may have more of a negative impact on your clearance than the suspended license.

Follow the directions carefully and submit all the paperwork on time.  Above all, don't give up!

Tom S · Answer

Those issues really shouldn't be a problem. Speeding tickets don't matter at all. Is there any way you can get your possession record sealed? Either way it shouldn't affect security Clarence.

Just to make you aware, as a college graduate you can become an officer through OTS. Why the hell would you enlist, when you could become an officer?

Anonymous · Answer

The big joke about security clearance is that they base most of it on your credit score

Louie · Answer

those security issues wont be problems. they look more for like people in your family that are connected to like terrorist organizations. or like they ask ppl if theyve heard u say u want to like hurt the american government or something. those medical things are problems but just dont say anything. that sounds bad but seroiusly u cant have or had depression and be in the military. ur acl/mcl may be a problem too but dont say anything and ull be ok

orph82 · Answer

Just remember one thing - be honest.  These things aren't a problem, but if you lie about them or try to hide, then they will be a problem.

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Army Enlistment/Security Clearance DQ Questions?

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