Questions about security clearance

[theking]

I am currently in the process of joining the national guard active first and have been talking to my recruiter for some time but he hasn't been helpful at all. According to my recruiter I can not get into any specialized school in the army (i.e. airborne, air assault,Ranger) due to the fact that I would need some type of security clearance. According to him I can't get a security clearance because or some charges that occurred during my youth and can't get into any schools until I prove myself for a year.

During my naive and stupid days I broke into a store and robbed it which resulted in three felonies and two misdemeanors. I was put on probation for a year, had to pay restitution, and wrote letters or apologies to the victims. All of the charges were dismissed except for one which was a misdemeanor. For that misdemeanor I spent ten days in county jail. I also was never arrested. This was in a juvenile court so the charges were sealed. While I was on probation I got caught with cigs at school and received two misdemeanors for that. One charge was for tobacco and the other for obstruction of justice. This also occurred when I was a juvenile so the charges were sealed.

My recruiter said all he has to do is make a note of the charges and the dates they were dismissed and that I would be able to get in the National Guard.He talked to someone at meps and they said it wouldn't be a problem getting me in. I just don't understand why he told me to stay away from the schools because of the security clearance. He was making it sound like I would get kicked out if I tried getting in to any of these schools. From what I've heard and read you obtain a clearance at meps and don't need one for the schools.

Thank you Rangers for your help. It is greatly appreciated.

[Nomad]

Your recruiter is either a complete idiot or is purposely misleading you.

Neither Airborne, nor RS, nor AA require a secret clearance to attend. I would find someone else to talk to.

[IntelToad]

As long as you're honest and up front with what happened, have copies of everything etc. you may be surprised that you can get a clearance. I knew some people with TS clearances that did far worse things in their youth. The main thing is not to conceal anything. That is a definite bozo no-no.