Form 86

maschneider93

USAFA 2025
Joined
Sep 29, 2020
Messages
124
Anyone have any tips in completing form 86 (security clearance) in a timely manner? Took forever to complete the first 1/3 for me and now page just reloaded and lost everything.:mad: Should I just bring the whole thing and do it by hand? Needs to be in hard copy for I-Day anyway, right?
 
Anyone have any tips in completing form 86 (security clearance) in a timely manner? Took forever to complete the first 1/3 for me and now page just reloaded and lost everything.:mad: Should I just bring the whole thing and do it by hand? Needs to be in hard copy for I-Day anyway, right?
I printed all 127 pages out and I’m doing it by hand. That way I get the hard copy done for I-Day and have all the information ready to go for the digital version (which I can’t seem to find anyway). It took over an hour and a half to print all the pages and she’s THICC

Be careful though... you will get timed out of the portal so I’m not sure how we are supposed to get it done before we are timed out. Still working on finding the digital methods.
 
I used Adobe Acrobat and saved a new copy after every section to make sure I didn't lose anything. You definitely do need a hard copy because during BCT, you will be inputting the data into a computer for the actual application.

Also, just FYI, the first third is by far the most tedious. After about the halfway point, it will be a lot of "does not apply; move on to the next section" for you. :)
 
I printed all 127 pages out and I’m doing it by hand. That way I get the hard copy done for I-Day and have all the information ready to go for the digital version (which I can’t seem to find anyway). It took over an hour and a half to print all the pages and she’s THICC

Be careful though... you will get timed out of the portal so I’m not sure how we are supposed to get it done before we are timed out. Still working on finding the digital methods.
This may help.
 
Thank you! You’re the best! I had no idea that existed but it answered many of my questions! Gotta love how there’s a 44 page presentation outlining instructions on how to fill out your 127 page application. I guess we’re only scratching the surface of the US military 😂
Welcome to the club. There is almost always a massive instruction explaining a massive form.
 
Anyone have any tips in completing form 86 (security clearance) in a timely manner? Took forever to complete the first 1/3 for me and now page just reloaded and lost everything.:mad: Should I just bring the whole thing and do it by hand? Needs to be in hard copy for I-Day anyway, right?
Can you tell me where to find the form? I received an appointment but have not yet accepted. Does the form appear after you accept the appointment? Thanks
 
Pro tip that cadets and mids can probably use

If your parents keep a Christmas card list that can be very helpful in getting contact info for old acquisition


Pro tip 2

If you move a lot your online retailers like Amazon will still have old addresses. Very helpful as AD trying to recall that 6 month address from 15 years and 10 moves ago.
 
I heard from others that you enter it online on I-Day. If the kit doesn't say anything about entering it online, it probably means you don't have to right now. I just looked over it and all I see is for you to "Bring your printed and completed questionnaire with you on in-processing day."
 
Anyone have any tips in completing form 86 (security clearance) in a timely manner? Took forever to complete the first 1/3 for me and now page just reloaded and lost everything.:mad: Should I just bring the whole thing and do it by hand? Needs to be in hard copy for I-Day anyway, right?
Just got through page 70 and my computer threw a nutty and wouldn't save :bang:
I feel the pain...
I think I'll be doing it by hand.
 
For future reference, if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, you can download the file from the page (don't download a copy with your edits), and edit it in that program. From there, you can save it as you go to make sure you don't lose progress.
 
My DD printed the entire packet (double sided), handwrote the answers, and opted to bring the entire packet, even though I remember her debating taking selected pages. My parent group BFF's DD made a mistake on hers....and got to call home to find the answer.....

Parents: It was at this time I remember lots of paper being used in our home printer, because when in doubt, print it and save to pdf as well. If they don't ask you first (which they likely will), ask to see the sponsor section booklet in the portal (not on the website). If you are lucky and it HASN'T been updated from the 1980-90's....it is absolutely hilarious.
 
Pro tip that cadets and mids can probably use

If your parents keep a Christmas card list that can be very helpful in getting contact info for old acquisition


Pro tip 2

If you move a lot your online retailers like Amazon will still have old addresses. Very helpful as AD trying to recall that 6 month address from 15 years and 10 moves ago.
"Do not list residence before your 18th birthday unless to provide a minimum of 2 years residence history". I assume that most appointees will need just two-three years of residence history. And it seems like you need 10 years of history at most. (this is my interpretation, and I could be wrong, so please double check).
 
To make sure my DS read the instructions, he does not need to bring any pages that do not have any info on them that he was able to skip even though his SSN is on the bottom of that page correct? This is a huge document that they will need to bring! Wow.
 
To make sure my DS read the instructions, he does not need to bring any pages that do not have any info on them that he was able to skip even though his SSN is on the bottom of that page correct? This is a huge document that they will need to bring! Wow.
I read that only the pages you have answered/have information on need to come with you. I am bringing an original and a copy. Also leaving a copy at home.
 
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