a question on security clearance for bullrider or other SEALs

[chum]

Chum is not a SEAL...
Bullrider, I ask this question of you because you seem to be the most recent BUD/s graduate that is a regular on this site, but perhaps little has changed over time...anyway the question is this...
At what point does the Navy do whatever it does to determine whether you receive your necessary security clearance? ...obviously the Navy isn't going to let you go to BUD/s and pass only to find out you don't meet the security standard, but then again are they going to expend the resources (i.e., background checks, etc.) to give security clearance to a bunch of guys who are statistically going to fail....so basically I'm trying to figure whether they do the clearance thing prior to even signing up for the Navy and/or receiving the challenge contract or do you get the contract and then roll the dice to find out after you sign up whether you have gotten the clearance? (at this point if you don't get it I'll assume you're still obligated to the Navy).
What determines your clearance--is an agent of the Navy going to interview people I know or is it a psych test or what? This aspect of getting to BUD/s and completing my goals is one of very few things that is freaking me out because I don't really understand it and have no control...maybe you can shed some light
Thanks very much for your help

[Bullrider]

Prior to entering the Navy you will undergo a security clearence that all recruits go through. Whe nyou get to BUD/S, you take a psych test off the bat, and if there are any questions concerning your security clearence, that will be addressed then. I remember during a pool evolution in first phase, being pulled to the room beneath the pool to answer questions about a speeding ticket. it was the extent of my police record, and nothing became of it. There are DOD agents that are responsible for taking care of the security backround checks. All you have to do is continue training, and everything will fall into place. In the teams, you will have a chance to apply for a top secret clearence if it is decided that you need one.

[tadpole2be]

Okay, I am not a SEAL, but I have been dealing with security clearances for the last 4 years, and thought I could throw my two cents in for anyone that cares to listen. Gettting a secret clearance is not hard. The big thing that I have seen a problem with is SERIOUS *SERIOUS* ongoing financial problems. As long as you haven't spent the last 10 years of your life stoned every day, done serious time, killed anyone, or are seriously late in payments on a lot of money, then you should be in good shape. I would just advise that you don't lie about money issues. Anyone on earth can call and get a credit report, and you can be sure that it will contain everything negative that has ever happened to you financially. On the other hand, how hard is it to prove that you smoked weed or have a "drinking problem?" Pretty hard. Bottom line, I would hate to see anyone psych themselves out over a clearance. Unless YOU think you would be a risk to national security (and the only thing that makes that true is if you were willing to sell or give secrets to foreign nationals or foreign governments) then the US government is probably going to draw the same conclusion in the end.

[Elwood2020]

Tadpole2be-
Iam really glad you replied here. That did clear a lot of things up for me as far as the clearance goes, and pretty much lifted a few weights off my chest. thanks a lot dude!

[kevin25ca]

yeah Elwood don't worry about the clearance. Secret clearance is extremely easy to get (I know of some drug dealers who got TS) and I had several classmates in BUD/S who used to be in juvey.

[Bullrider]

Tadpole2be-
Iam really glad you replied here. That did clear a lot of things up for me as far as the clearance goes, and pretty much lifted a few weights off my chest. thanks a lot dude!

What was I thinking even answering this post? Its not like Ive been there or done that LOL. Kevin , you take it from here man. It already looks like your answering posts again anyways.

[Elwood2020]

My fault Bullrider, I should have given you credit too, since you have been there and done it. my mistake!

[tadpole2be]

Sorry, Bullrider, I didn't mean to step on your toes... like I said... just my two cents.