Credit Blemishes, Impact on Security Clearance

[NoMoreRegrets]

At my age (34) and family situation, I have a number of obstacles standing in my way, but I can and will overcome them. However, there is one potential obstacle that it is not within my power to overcome. So I ask how much of an impact will this have on me? I've been told by the recruiter that I shouldn't worry about it, so maybe I shouldn't. Further, I almost hesitate to ask this question for fear of hearing something different than what the recruiter said. But I prefer a no-BS outlook and assessment, so I ask.

In 99-00 timeframe I had a couple of businesses that I owned go bad. It saddled me with alot of debt - over $300k. I've paid off alot of it, and the rest was settled or written off by the creditors. Of course, it's left a series of pock-marks on my credit. I don't even use credit at all anymore - I'm an all-cash man now, like my daddy taught me to be.

Anyway, the question is this: will human judgement be applied in assessing this factor, or is it just some hard & fast rule that leaves no room for judgement? I understand that there needs to be a measure of trustworthiness and responsibility, but these marks on my credit are not due to a lack of trustworthiness, but rather due to overoptimism in the business, then the bottom falling out of the computer industry. Were there some decisions I could have made differently? Sure there were. But at no time have I done something "untrustworthy", although just a computer scoring of my credit with no room for judgement in considering the whole situation might say differently.

Any insight from Rangers or others who have obtained a SECRET security clearance in the past, in spite of some bad credit would be appreciated. Insight from anybody who has been denied SECRET clearance due specifically to credit would be appreciated as well. Thanks in adavance.

[Vee]

My credit SUCKED.

But I wasn't in near as much debt.

Also, I'm married to an Iranian woman. I was told that a TS would probably be impossible, but I had no problem with my Secret clearance.

[NoMoreRegrets]

But I wasn't in near as much debt.

I'm not in that much debt anymore, in fact, I have no commercial debt at all anymore.

[hit_it]

LEATHERNECK is right. disclose everything and write a letter stating what happened and insist it be included in your enlistment packet. IT WILL BE SCANNED INTO GCR AND BE ON YOUR FICHE. that way, when the agents see your credit, you will not be accused of lying.

[Aaron J]

In the past few days I have had a situation arise. While in the process of trying to get my credit card balance limit up, I noticed an error on my credit report. According to the Experian credit report I have
a bill to my car insurance that I haven't paid for $950 in Oct of 1999,lowering my credit score to a 575. I have had the same car insurance my whole life so I know this is an error and am going to correct it on Monday with my car insurance and Experian.
It's not on my Equifax report which would be correct and my credit score is excellent according to them. According to my Credit reports the Army looked into both of these after I signed my contract in Feb.

I remember during my security interview that they asked me if I had ever been turned into a creditor and I said no. They asked if I'm sure because they will do something(i forget her exact words)to check when I ship.Well now wouldn't it look like I am lying to them? I am wondering because I don't want a hang up while inprocessing before basic. I was going to call the lady at MEPS who did give me the security interview when I correctit Monday to tell her about the mistake on my credit report.

Just wondering if anyone knows if this would be a little or big cause of conern to my security clearance since I only have a week to go until I ship and for that mistake to be taken off my credit report could take up to four weeks?

[hit_it]

You're fine. If the Army has already seen and not addressed you abou it, it's a done deal.

STOP FUCKING WORRYING ABOUT LITTLE SHIT.

[Steadfast]

To be on the safe side Make sure you get a letter from Experian clearing you from this error. Then leave the letter home in a safe place where you could get a copy if needed.


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[IntelToad]

Just be 100 % open about your past during any security interview and in completing any forms and you should be fine. I only saw people get whacked when they either lied about something or didn't come clean and it came up during the investigative process.

[Aaron J]

Thanks for the advice Ranger IntelToad and Ranger Steadfast. I’ll be sure to document everything and will always be 100% honest. Thanks for the bigger picture advice Hit_It, done worrying about little details of hindrance.

[Silverback]

Just be 100 % open about your past during any security interview and in completing any forms and you should be fine. I only saw people get whacked when they either lied about something or didn't come clean and it came up during the investigative process.

I am currently serving in the capacity (one of many) as the Security manager and I cannot tell you enough to follow the advice you have been given DISCLOSE EVERYTHING RIGHT UP FRONT.

[Steadfast]

Thanks for the advice Ranger IntelToad and Ranger Steadfast. I’ll be sure to document everything and will always be 100% honest. Thanks for the bigger picture advice Hit_It, done worrying about little details of hindrance.

Please address hit_it as SFC hit_it.

Read this FAQ: http://www.armyranger.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2832


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[Aaron J]

Sorry, SFC Hit_it. Thanks for your advice again.

[NorthDakotaKid]

pm me and I can help you with the credit hick-ups, beyond the army.