Military Accession and Security Clearance Screening Impact on Early and Adverse Separation
Abstract
Criminal background screening occurs at two stages early in the military accession process: (1) Recruiting Command screening, wherein subjects with misdemeanor or felony convictions are required to apply for moral character waivers, and (2) background investigations for applicants requiring national security clearances. This study reviewed the effects of outcomes of these two processes plus applicants' self-reporting on likelihood of early or adverse separation. Waiver issuance was most strongly associated with early separation. Where criminal arrests were known based on self-reports and/or criminal record checks and waivers were not on record, the likelihood of early separation tended to be higher. This could not be explained entirely by the rejection or dismissal of applicants once their crimes became known. Results emphasize the importance of Recruiting Commands actively engaging applicants in waiver processing when applicants self-admit criminal arrests and convictions or have them detected through criminal record checks. Recommendations for better alignment of Recruiting Command screening with security clearance screening are offered.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA485299
Entities
People
- Kelly R. Buck
- Michelle M. Neal