Background Checks

[Chris Grey]

Hi. This is my first post here.

I was wondering, what kind of background checks do the academies do when look at your application? I read the SF 86 and it's mainly just making sure you're not a terrorist. Do they look at social media and texts as well? I have nothing to hide on either, no drugs or alcohol. I was purely curious and interested to see what they look for in the security checks.

Thanks very much.

 

[Voyager20]

Welcome!

Great question! I look forward to the answers myself.

(BTW, you should not use your real name on these forums...pick a username. Not sure how to delete it and create a new username, but I would look into it. Take Care.)

 

[NavyHoops]

If appointed, candidates have a police background check done, complete the SF-86, and during the application they ask to self report any drug or alcohol use (also medical does too). Lying can get things out of control as if you put no one document and yes on another. The SF-86 is for a security clearance. They will interview folks for this, do credit checks and go further into backgrounds if things are warranted. Yes they ask a lot about terrorism stuff, but they also look at other things, especially if red flags are raised. Here is the thing... Does anyone want to dig into social media during the application process? Not really, but remember if someone leaves a trail someone will find it because people talk and will say something. It brings up integrity, maturity and professionalism questions about your ability to be a future officer. The only way I really see this being dug into is if someone along the way of writing a recommendation or someonne mentions that you had some issues with social media, then someone might start to dig to validate concerns.

 

[Chris Grey]

Great. I've had no issues with social media. Nothing with cyber bullying, alcohol, drugs, or the like. Thanks for your answer.