enlistment top secret security question

[bcklyr]

I am enlisting in the air national guard, but I have yet been to meps. I have to get a top secret clearance. I am unsure what to put with my mental history. The reason is because i had a ex-girlfriend that told my mom that I was going to kill myself. So my mom came to my house to talk about it with me. I was at athe time swimming in the community pool when she got there. She knocked on my door and I didn't answer, but my car was there. She freaked out and called the police. I heard a bunch of sirens so I walked over to my apartment and there were 6 police officers at my apartment. They had busted the door down. I showed up and they automatically threw me on the ground and handcuffed me. They took me to a mental hospital. I was there for 10 hours until i talked to a doctor. After I explained what happen to the doctor he released me. He made me visit a psychologist. After all that I was fine and everyone found out I was fine. I was just depressed because I got dumped by a girlfriend. the question is when it asks if I have been diagnosed with a mental issue do I need to disclose this? I had no mental problems. This was 5 years ago. I am now married and loving life. Thanks for all the advice.

[USMC_8156]

I am enlisting in the air national guard, but I have yet been to meps. I have to get a top secret clearance. I am unsure what to put with my mental history. The reason is because i had a ex-girlfriend that told my mom that I was going to kill myself. So my mom came to my house to talk about it with me. I was at athe time swimming in the community pool when she got there. She knocked on my door and I didn't answer, but my car was there. She freaked out and called the police. I heard a bunch of sirens so I walked over to my apartment and there were 6 police officers at my apartment. They had busted the door down. I showed up and they automatically threw me on the ground and handcuffed me. They took me to a mental hospital. I was there for 10 hours until i talked to a doctor. After I explained what happen to the doctor he released me. He made me visit a psychologist. After all that I was fine and everyone found out I was fine. I was just depressed because I got dumped by a girlfriend. the question is when it asks if I have been diagnosed with a mental issue do I need to disclose this? I had no mental problems. This was 5 years ago. I am now married and loving life. Thanks for all the advice.

You'll be fine man. Your clearance is evaluated by a case officer, and you can attach a letter explaining the situation to your SF86. It's not a check in the box yes or no answer, each situation is case by case. You will also be interviewed at some point, and you will just have to tell your story.

Since you have no history of mental instability (as verified by a licensed Psych) you will be fine.

Now, that heroin arrest a few months back...

[bcklyr]

thanks for the reply. Should I review my medical record to make sure there are no suprises? i'm a little nervous this baker act thing will hurt me

[USMC_8156]

I would contact the insitution where you were released from and get a copy of whatever report they have on you. That way you know exactly what they are saying and how you will have to defend yourself. In the end it is going to come down to you and how you present the situation to them though. The case worker is eventually going to have to fill in a box that says "Does applicant have a documented history of mental instability?" From what you've said, no. But they will make sure.

This is where your recruiter is going to prove his worth or be a shitbag. If he knows what he is doing, he will fight for you to get placed in whatever job it is that requires a TS. Since there are usually other stringent requirements, it is usually important for them to fill those jobs.

[forcedj]

I concur with USCM_8156. SHouldn't be any problem. I'd also advise that you don't hide anything and disclose everything. If you don't, and it's later discovered that you did disclose info about the situation in a periodic background investigation review, they could find out about it and have good reason to revoke your access.

Dan

[CMSBROWN]

Just be honest and forthcoming with everything and you sould be fine....its the stuff in teh closet that they find that you dont tell them about is what will mess things up for you.

[MRMIXITUP]

Are they insisting that you get a top secret clearance before even joining? I thought that you just need a simple background check for entry into the military, and after being accepted, but before you attend training you complete your top secret clearance request.

It takes months for a top secret to be completed. Do you just wait for that whole time? You could be getting your basic out of the way in the meantime.

[bcklyr]

I actually do not have to attend basic training. I have already completed basic in the army. They have not really told me anything yet. I was just given the option of a TS job. The recruiter I am working with is pretty slow. Hopefully after the holidays i will learn more.

[OIFCOMBATVETNYC]

Just be honest on your SF86 and you be fine. Dont sweat it. If he is going into a military intelligence position, he will be required TS clearance.

[mel44]

I am enlisting in the air national guard, but I have yet been to meps. I have to get a top secret clearance. I am unsure what to put with my mental history. The reason is because i had a ex-girlfriend that told my mom that I was going to kill myself. So my mom came to my house to talk about it with me. I was at athe time swimming in the community pool when she got there. She knocked on my door and I didn't answer, but my car was there. She freaked out and called the police. I heard a bunch of sirens so I walked over to my apartment and there were 6 police officers at my apartment. They had busted the door down. I showed up and they automatically threw me on the ground and handcuffed me. They took me to a mental hospital. I was there for 10 hours until i talked to a doctor. After I explained what happen to the doctor he released me. He made me visit a psychologist. After all that I was fine and everyone found out I was fine. I was just depressed because I got dumped by a girlfriend. the question is when it asks if I have been diagnosed with a mental issue do I need to disclose this? I had no mental problems. This was 5 years ago. I am now married and loving life. Thanks for all the advice.

You should be just fine. don’t supply to much info. It complicates things. Very similar to the "have you been convicted of a felony question" There is a difference in arrested for a felony and convicted for one. So is there a difference in being held for observation and being diagnosed. First call the facility and find out if you were given a diagnosis. Were you put on any meds? If you were put on meds chances are you were diagnosed with some type of issue probably depression. If you were in fact diagnosed with depression then don’t go into the breaking down the door story just simply state you were having a difficult time with GF and doctor suggested meds to cope with temp. situation. Your records are protected by HEPPA and you have to sign a release of information for them to get them. Play it as low as you can so as to be telling the truth but to not imply further investigation may be needed. You don’t want to overplay the situation because they are not looking as much for you to be a mental health risk as so they have a pre-existing condition if for some reason you become ill during your service time. So get a copy of your records, see what the diagnosis is, if any and go from there. If there were no DSM IV diagnosis then your safe you dont have to report at all. Many times you can tell records what you want the information for and they will release it to you right away.

If you were put on meds sometimes you can explain to the attending phy. and he will change the diagnosis for you if you are healthy and not under medical care.

Hope that helps