Jump to content

WOFT Secret Clearance Question


Recommended Posts

Hey guys, been lurking for some time now. About to start working on my WOFT packet, however I feel that my recruiter is trying to steer me away from the WOFT program and into a standard enlistment. (Which is to be expected). His reasoning behind this is that progressing through the WOFT program is impossible for me due to an expunged Misdemeanor for simple possession of Marijuana I got back when I was 18 or 19. (Expunged meaning it was a minor offense and all record of it has been removed). I'm 24 now. I was young and dumb and I made a mistake.

 

To my understanding, the only reason this would be an issue is for the secret security clearance I'd have to get. My recruiter then proceeded to tell me that if I went enlisted first, and tried to pursue WOC and flight school later, that it simply wouldn't matter that I had a misdemeanor (expunged) when I was younger. I feel that this is not true, as I would still have to get secret clearance, and I would still have to go through the same process to do so.

 

My question is: is this worth my time or is this unattainable for me because of my past? I understand that there are consequences for breaking the law, though I've never so much as gotten a speeding ticket or even been pulled over in my entire life. Will it be a waste of my time to continue with my WOFT packet, take the ASVAB and the SIFT, and attempt to get my secret clearance or will this be a blocker?

 

Any insight is greatly appreciated. This forum has helped me so much and has provided me with the confidence and knowledge to get started on this thing. I just hope I have a chance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey guys, been lurking for some time now. About to start working on my WOFT packet, however I feel that my recruiter is trying to steer me away from the WOFT program and into a standard enlistment. (Which is to be expected). His reasoning behind this is that progressing through the WOFT program is impossible for me due to an expunged Misdemeanor for simple possession of Marijuana I got back when I was 18 or 19. (Expunged meaning it was a minor offense and all record of it has been removed). I'm 24 now. I was young and dumb and I made a mistake.

 

To my understanding, the only reason this would be an issue is for the secret security clearance I'd have to get. My recruiter then proceeded to tell me that if I went enlisted first, and tried to pursue WOC and flight school later, that it simply wouldn't matter that I had a misdemeanor (expunged) when I was younger. I feel that this is not true, as I would still have to get secret clearance, and I would still have to go through the same process to do so.

 

My question is: is this worth my time or is this unattainable for me because of my past? I understand that there are consequences for breaking the law, though I've never so much as gotten a speeding ticket or even been pulled over in my entire life. Will it be a waste of my time to continue with my WOFT packet, take the ASVAB and the SIFT, and attempt to get my secret clearance or will this be a blocker?

 

Any insight is greatly appreciated. This forum has helped me so much and has provided me with the confidence and knowledge to get started on this thing. I just hope I have a chance.

 

Don't lie on your SF-86 and be honest with your investigator. It's been 6 years since then, I'd say it's more than likely to just be written off as experimentation. But again be honest, don't lie and you're good to go. I'd say keep at it but i'm also not an approving authority or investigator.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your recruiter doesn't want to do the extra work when he can get the same credit for just enlisting you. Also, some people feel that you need have some enlisted experience before you enter the officer realms. Just be honest with him that you would like to take your chances with the WOFT process.... You can get a waiver for your offense and the approving authority for that is the USAREC G1. (This could take some time.....)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the replies! I thought the same thing. I'm very honest about my past and I had no intention to lie about anything. I did a bit of research, and I believe that as long as I'm honest about it, it won't bring up any issues for me. It's not like I'm a repeat offender or anything. I will be meeting with him again on Monday. I'm older and wiser than I was when I was talking to recruiters at the ages of 17/18. I'm not going to let him push me into something that I don't want to do because it's easier for him.

 

This forum is awesome! I'll post updates as I get started on the process.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Little update here. Talked to my recruiter again today. Went into his office and told him I wanted to go through with my WOFT packet regardless of what may come of the SF86. I said I didn't think my misdemeanor would present a hindrance, and that as long as I was truthful, and it was obvious I wasn't a repeat offender and such, that I'd be fine. He said absolutely not. I wasn't qualified and he couldn't put my packet through at all. I got a bit flustered, and left after we discussed a few other things.

 

He called me about 10 minutes after I left and told me they made a few phonecalls, and that what I was saying wasn't entirely incorrect. He said that I'd have to complete my WOFT packet in it's entirety, then he'd send it and my background info off somewhere with a waiver that would either come back OK or NOT OK. He said if it came back as NOT OK, that's that.

 

So after everything he is willing to work with me, although he made it VERY clear that it was a large time investment on his part. (By the time we're done he could have put 6 people in the Army....). I'm still a bit conflicted, however, because I feel like this guy does not have my best interest at heart, and is far more concerned with the fact that he's going to be spending, (potentially WASTING if it doesn't work out) a ton of his time on me. I'm confident in my abilities, and I know for certain that my packet will be competitive. The only thing I have no control over is whether or not my misdemeanor winds up barring me from entry....

 

Just wanted to update you guys and post my thoughts. Thanks again for the feedback.

 

Austin

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Recruiters virtually never have your best interest at heart... at BEST they will try to keep you from getting screwed if they are decent people. I'm sure its a bit of work for him, but that's his job. It might make your relationship smoother if you are able to demonstrate you know exactly how much crap you are expected to do to get this packet set-up, and that you aren't some kid who saw a commercial and wants to be a pilot.

 

If he won't play ball, find someone else.

 

Mike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
×
×
  • Create New...