How Far Back Does a Military Base Background Check Go?
When applying for a job at a military base, one of the crucial steps in the hiring process is the background check. This thorough investigation is conducted to ensure that the applicant is trustworthy and does not pose a threat to national security or the safety of others. But how far back does a military base background check go?
Types of Background Checks
The Department of Defense (DoD) conducts various types of background checks, each with its own scope and depth. The type of check performed depends on the position being applied for and the level of clearance required.
- Tier 1: This is a basic background check that focuses on the applicant’s history of criminal activity, identity verification, and employment and education verification.
- Tier 2: This is a more in-depth check that includes the applicant’s credit history, debt, and financial stability. It also involves a social media review and a check for any outstanding warrants or judgments.
- Top Secret (TS) clearance: This is the most extensive check, which requires the applicant to undergo an extensive background investigation, including interviews with friends, family, and acquaintances.
- Secret (S) clearance: This level of clearance requires a moderate level of investigation, focusing on the applicant’s past criminal activity, employment, and education.
Timeline of a Background Check
The timeline of a military base background check can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the investigation and the type of clearance required.
- Tier 1: Typically takes 2-5 business days
- Tier 2: Takes 5-14 business days
- Top Secret (TS) clearance: Can take anywhere from 30 to 120 days or even longer
- Secret (S) clearance: Can take anywhere from 15 to 60 days
What’s Investigated
A military base background check is a thorough investigation that covers various aspects of an applicant’s life, including:
- Criminal history: All arrests, convictions, and court-martial proceedings are reviewed.
- Personal relationships: The applicant’s friends, family, and acquaintances are interviewed.
- Employment history: The applicant’s past employers are contacted to verify their employment history.
- Education: The applicant’s educational background is verified, including degrees, diplomas, and certifications.
- Financial history: The applicant’s credit history, debt, and financial stability are reviewed.
- Social media: A review of the applicant’s social media profiles is conducted.
- National Security clearance: The applicant’s involvement with foreign governments, political organizations, or espionage-related activities is investigated.
What’s Not Investigated
While a military base background check is exhaustive, there are some things that are not investigated:
- Misdemeanors: Misdemeanor convictions that are not related to national security are typically not considered.
- Older criminal charges: Charges that are older than 7-10 years may not be pursued, depending on the state and local laws.
- Private matters: Information related to an applicant’s personal life, such as divorce, child custody disputes, or financial difficulties, is not investigated.
Consequences of a Disqualification
If an applicant is disqualified from a job at a military base due to a background check, the consequences can be significant. A disqualification can lead to:
- Job denial: The applicant is not hired for the job.
- Clearance denial: The applicant’s security clearance is denied or revoked.
- Investigation: The applicant may be subject to further investigation or questioning.
Conclusion
A military base background check is a comprehensive investigation that can go back decades, depending on the type of clearance required and the complexity of the investigation. While the check covers a wide range of areas, there are some limitations and exclusions. If you’re applying for a job at a military base, it’s essential to be aware of the types of background checks that may be conducted and the consequences of a disqualification.
Table: Timeline of a Background Check
| Type of Check | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2-5 business days |
| Tier 2 | 5-14 business days |
| Top Secret (TS) clearance | 30-120 days |
| Secret (S) clearance | 15-60 days |
Additional Resources
- Department of Defense (DoD) Background Investigation Process
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Background Investigations
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Background Checks
