Understanding Military Background Checks for Secret Clearances

When the military conducts a background investigation for a security clearance, it involves a thorough process to assess an individual's character, reliability, and trustworthiness. This investigation often necessitates reaching out to various references and sources of information to gather accurate and comprehensive details.

Components of the Background Check

The process typically includes several key components:

Personal References: Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who can speak to your character and behavior. Employment References: Current and former employers who can provide insights into your work history and conduct. Educational Institutions: The military may contact schools or universities you attended to verify your enrollment and degrees earned as well as gather information about your conduct while a student. Neighbors: People living near you may be interviewed to provide information about your lifestyle and habits. Family Members: Immediate family members may be contacted to provide context about your upbringing and personal history. Government Agencies: Previous employers or government entities you’ve interacted with may be contacted for additional information.

In summary, yes, the military may contact your school as a part of the investigation process, particularly to verify your educational background and gather any relevant information about your conduct during your time there.

Role of Third Parties in Investigations

The investigation is often conducted by a third party, not by the Army itself. These investigators will typically request a copy of your academic transcript. If anything on your transcript or during their investigation raises concerns, they will likely follow up with your educational institution for further clarification.

What Information is Collected?

During this process, the investigator will engage with anyone and everyone they need to, to gather evidence for presenting to the adjudicator for approval or disapproval. This can include:

Family members Old friends Booss and co-workers Teachers Neighbors Ex-spouses or partners

These queries are aimed at evaluating your integrity, ethics, and whether you pose a security risk. The focus is on ensuring that all information gathered is accurate and relevant to the clearance process.

The Royal Air Force and Special Duties

The Royal Air Force's level of training for other ranks is unparalleled, having been established by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Hugh Montague Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard, shortly after the founding of the world's first air force. During my training in 1982, the military identified notable skills and recognized that I had Asperger's syndrome. Recognizing my potential, the military suggested that I might be suitable for Special Forces or Special Duties.

Upon an interview, it was made clear to me that they had ready-made job offers on the table. When I confronted them with ethical considerations, stating that if they wanted to help find other gay people, they should find out now, they confirmed I had passed the interview and was moving into the Special Forces/ Special Duties (SF/SD) path. This is a testament to the military's commitment to transparency and integrity during their investigative processes.

It is crucial to understand that while the military may inquire about any aspect of your life that is relevant to your security clearance, they are primarily interested in your integrity and ethical conduct. They manage this by ensuring that all information is collected in a manner that respects privacy while ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

Theft of your ‘dirty little secrets' is not the objective; maintaining the highest levels of integrity is. When the military conducts these thorough background checks, they are looking for individuals who can be trusted with sensitive information. Understanding the components and processes involved in a military background check can help you prepare for the investigation, ensuring that all aspects of your life are accurately represented during this vital process.