Anyone get a security clearance by joining the Reserve?

I'm considering doing this, however I do not know the exact details on how getting a secret clearance works out. I have a close buddy who has a top secret clearance through the reserve who I'm meeting up with next week.

There are tons of jobs around here for desktop support/jr system admins....that all want a security clearance. I figure it would be a great piece to add to the resume if it can be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time.

Right now I should be done with my BS:IT in February, maybe a bit sooner if I really push myself but that is already cutting it close.

Just thought I'd post this question to get additional feedback/ideas on the subject.

Find more posts tagged with

Save $250 on 2025 certification boot camps from Infosec!

Book now with code EOY2025

Button

Comments

TomkoTech

Just by joining you do not get a clearance. You have to be in an MOS/Job role that requires you to have one. Yes it alleviates you having to pay for the clearance, but you would have to find a position in the reserves that required you having one.

With that said if for some reason you are unable to attain the required clearance you would then be given whatever MOS/Job role that fit the reserves need, not necessarily what you wanted to do.

Joining the military is not something to do on a lark. Being in the reserves you are still able to be called to active duty and sent over seas for 8 months to a year. Do you have a family? Will they be okay with that?

It isn't something to enter into lightly.

Mitechniq

If you are looking into joing the Air Force Reserve, most careers (AFSC) require a secret clearance, and some just because the nature of the AFSC, it can be up to a Top Secret clearance like our network guys (3D1X2) require a Top Secret clearance. I wouldn't solely join just for a clearance though, because the reserves is a lifestyle change and will put alot of demand on you outside of the just one weekend a month. I myself have been in for 14 years and love it.

SephStorm

Agreed, they are sending reservists to Africa (Ebola). They also send them other places, and i've seen them screwed over. Saw a group of reservists who were supposed to be deployed for a few weeks, unit was able to jimmy it to where they were deployed for nearly a year with no end in sight.

There is nothing wrong with enlisting to accomplish specific goals, I encourage it. But do it with your eyes open and a concrete plan for the future. One issue that comes with the reserves is mobility. you enlist for a unit nearby. If your civilian job relocates or you find a better position out of state, it may be an uphill battle to get a transfer.

So just plan it out. See what you can do to enlist with a high paygrade so you can get more money, look at bonuses as well (make sure you know when it will be paid, make sure it is in your contract, and how to get it paid), if there is a position you may want to move into 4-8 years down the line it may make sense to wait until you can move then join (I.e. if I want to move into certain positions I might want to move to VA-MD and join there where the positions are available and a greater selection of complimentary civilian jobs that will understand reserve obligations). If you have any educational goals make sure to plan for those as well. (If I move to MD, I might want to go to Anne Arundell which is a CAE 2Y, helps maybe if I want to work at NSA.)

joelsfood

I have no problem with service, so let's start there.

That being said, I definitely do NOT recommend enlisting just to get a clearance. When I was in Kuwait, everyone over there was Reserve/NG, and most of the units were cycling into or out of Iraq. So it is definitely not just one weekend a month at home in the states. Look at an entry level job with a contractor that requires clearance if you want to find a way to get your secret without the military commitment. Don't enlist, even reserves, just for the clearance.

ougijoe

Coming from a former Reservist who's worked for several large contractors on the outside, I completely 100% agree with the sentiment everyone else is expressing.

While I see what the motivation may be, there are several outlets to obtain a clearance. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for someone giving back in a way the Service allows, but that's a commitment above and beyond. If you want a clearance, there's literally thousands of open positions right now that could get you a Secret clearance in a heart beat.

5502george

Got all my clearances, BS, work experience, great training, certs and working on my MS all though the ANG Air National Guard. Been all over the place and one deployment (all volunteer). I do not have one bad thing to say about the guard. As far as the reserves....I just dont know.

Mind you I am Air Force. Another thing, it really depends on the mission of the unit your are joining. We were fighters, so we got to do crazy cool little deployments called TDY's. They were basically parties in Spain, Cali, Ireland, Costal etc... Lots of fun and all of it was on volunteer basis (who wouldnt). We are a training base now so the tempo is non existint with no more fun little parties

I would join again if I had the chance. Never felt it was a mistake at any point in my career.

slatkin

Thanks for the replies. I should have stated that the thought crossed my mind to not ONLY get a clearance, but to add to my resume, serve our country and pick up some additional skills along the way.

I do understand I would have to be assigned to a MOS/job that requires a clearance to get one, I just wanted to start this topic to get additional input. InfoSec does interest me and every day I think about bigger aspirations than just a System Admin (which was my initial goal when pursuing an IT career).

Another question, job postings that state 'ability to obtain a security clearance', are these jobs/companies going to sponsor me (assuming I apply and get the job) and just state that I must be able to pass/receive clearance? I know there are a lot of gimmicks and scams out there, but say a company like Booz Allen states that in a job description, how does that work?

This whole side of the industry is new to me and I don't have many sources to answer some questions I have. I've just been thinking of ways to get off the phones and jump start my career.

Thanks for all of the replies so far!

FYI my father was in the Marines for 22 years, so I do understand how the travel and deployment duties can take a toll on a family. Again, just looking for discussion on ways to grow my career.

trueshrew

I am a former Army Reservist who joined the Reserve to pick up a Top Secret clearance. I had held a Top Secret clearance in the 1990s as an Army person, so I knew what to expect when I came back. I am also a Department of Defense contractor.

It's easy to get a Secret clearance if you have a clean criminal record and no credit/debt issues. Those are the big issues that will keep a person from getting a clearance. Some companies will ask for permission to run a basic background check---police agency checks, employment history, and consumer credit check. That would help the company determine if you can pass a Secret clearance check.

What you have in your favor that would make a defense contractor company want to hire you: A+, Security +, and Network +. If you look up something called DoD 8570.1 (possibly renamed), you will see IT certifications that the Department of Defense wants contractors, soldiers, civilian workers to have. You hold IT certifications that the Department of Defense wants contractors to have, so it's not a big deal for Booz Allen or another contractor to pay for a Secret clearance investigation. A Secret clearance requires an investigation every 10 years.

The Army has a Cyber Command, so do the Air Force and the Navy. Check all the service branches because different branches offer different entry ranks and jobs. I think the Army Reserve may be the biggest Reserve force, so you may have more options there. Remember though: if it's not in your enlistment contract, it's not binding. Make sure you get what you want before you sign the contract.

kihun

To answer your question, yes it's possible that you can get clearance by joining reserves. It really depends on what kind of job and what branch of service you are in. for me, I was lucky enough to get secret clearance in the Marines as Infantry rifleman. I would say go join Air force because most of those guys get secret for some odd reasons.

SephStorm

slatkin wrote: »

Another question, job postings that state 'ability to obtain a security clearance', are these jobs/companies going to sponsor me (assuming I apply and get the job) and just state that I must be able to pass/receive clearance? I know there are a lot of gimmicks and scams out there, but say a company like Booz Allen states that in a job description, how does that work?

They may be willing to sponsor you for a clearance, it does happen, but it's "costly" for a company to do so so they often will choose someone with a clearance over someone seeking one. You may want to look at smaller defense contractors that are willing to do so more than the big ones.

Raisin

I got my clearance from the Guard, it's not the reason I joined, but I do consider it one of the main things that made it a worthwhile experience for me. I say go ahead and do it as long as you understand and accept the downsides of being in the military. Research the units in your area, not every job/mos/rating is going to be available in your area. If you talk to a recruiter understand that they are going to try and push you into what is most critically short at the time. Stick to your guns and hold out for something that requires a top secret clearance eventually something will open up.

ArabianKnight

The only reason I went Guard from active is so I could reclass to a job that I could use to make good money on the civilian side and to maintain my TS clearance. I realized shortly after I left active after being infantry I needed something else to push me into a successful career.....just don't be a shitbag, too many of those in the service already.

sgmoore21

5502george wrote: »

Got all my clearances, BS, work experience, great training, certs and working on my MS all though the ANG Air National Guard. Been all over the place and one deployment (all volunteer). I do not have one bad thing to say about the guard. As far as the reserves....I just dont know.

Mind you I am Air Force. Another thing, it really depends on the mission of the unit your are joining. We were fighters, so we got to do crazy cool little deployments called TDY's. They were basically parties in Spain, Cali, Ireland, Costal etc... Lots of fun and all of it was on volunteer basis (who wouldnt). We are a training base now so the tempo is non existint with no more fun little parties

I would join again if I had the chance. Never felt it was a mistake at any point in my career.

What did you do in the ANG if you don't mind me asking?

Corey3000

Hey I'm joining the guard... I was fired from a law enforcement job previously, would that prevent me from getting a clearance? The termination wasn't anything egregious but it was enough to get me terminated... Is that a deal breaker for me or is that even a concern?

Burnsie

Corey3000 wrote: »

Hey I'm joining the guard... I was fired from a law enforcement job previously, would that prevent me from getting a clearance? The termination wasn't anything egregious but it was enough to get me terminated... Is that a deal breaker for me or is that even a concern?

You would be amazed at the background some people have and get cleared. DUI's, domestics, minor crime, etc. You won't know if it will disqualify you until you go through the process. Just be up front and truthful and hope for the best. In the end it hinges on how badly they want you at the time.

B

Corey3000

Burnsie wrote: »

You would be amazed at the background some people have and get cleared. DUI's, domestics, minor crime, etc. You won't know if it will disqualify you until you go through the process. Just be up front and truthful and hope for the best. In the end it hinges on how badly they want you at the time.

B

Man that was very uplifting, thanks!

bpenn

If anyone is still interested in IT career fields (AFSC's) in the Air Force Reserve I can tell you that I got so much training and experience to prepare me for the civilian job world. I got a clearance, certifications, money to finish school, and a strong dose of self-discipline. I am a 3D1X1 (Help Desk, basically) and I love it. Starting in October, all 3D1X1s will be required to complete the Security+ before graduating technical training.

--chris--

joelsfood wrote: »

Look at an entry level job with a contractor that requires clearance if you want to find a way to get your secret without the military commitment. Don't enlist, even reserves, just for the clearance.

This appears to be happening more and more (or at least the offer is there more often).

The "Big 3" here have dozens of jobs posted which read "must be able to obtain secret clearance..."as well as General Dynamics (another big hiring organization in this area). I see HP posting jobs with the same details.

Does this mean they will hire you without one over someone who has one? Maybe now, but I see it as a sign they are willing to invest the time/money into someone unlike before where it was almost a rule that you either had it or you don't.