Filling out the SF-86—the application for eligibility to access classified information—is no small task. For those seeking access to sensitive government information, the process can be daunting and full of potential pitfalls. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) frequently encounters issues with incomplete or incorrect SF-86 forms that delay or even derail the background investigation process.
Top Mistakes on the SF-86
If you’re preparing to submit your SF-86, here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for, and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Missing Fingerprints
One of the most common mistakes made is submitting incomplete documentation, especially missing fingerprints. If your fingerprints aren’t properly submitted or recorded, your background check can be delayed significantly, even if the rest of your form is flawless. This is something applicants often overlook, but it’s crucial that you ensure fingerprints are properly submitted in a timely fashion. Check with your security officer to confirm this requirement is met, and when they provide you information on how to get your prints done, do it ASAP.
2. Outdated Forms
It may seem obvious, but some applicants still submit outdated forms. The SF-86 is periodically updated, and it’s important to use the most current version when completing the application. Submit the latest form available to avoid delays or confusion. Always double-check the date on the form you’re using before submission to ensure it’s up-to-date. An outdated form could lead to unnecessary delays in your investigation process.
3. Missing or Discrepant Identifying Data
Accuracy is key when it comes to identifying information. Missing or discrepant identifying data—like names, addresses, and dates—can cause significant issues in the review process. Here are some areas to pay attention to:
- Full Names: Always include any aliases or nicknames you’ve used in the past. This includes maiden names, names from former marriages, or any legal name changes. If you’ve only used initials, make sure to indicate that.
- Address and Contact Information: When listing addresses, don’t forget to include any temporary addresses that were used during school, military service, or travel. A common mistake is forgetting to list locations where you lived during a deployment, overseas assignment, or while attending college. Be thorough with this section—missing addresses can be a major red flag.
4. Discrepancies in Background Information
The security clearance application requires a thorough history of your background—from education and employment to residences and criminal activity. It’s not uncommon for applicants to accidentally omit or misreport details from their past. For example:
- Employment History: Many applicants stretch employment dates to cover gaps or inadvertently leave off short-term positions, internships, or jobs that didn’t seem significant. Don’t leave any employment off the form, even if it was “under the table” or a brief summer job. If there are any gaps in employment, list the dates and be prepared to explain them during the investigation process.
- Residences: Remember, you are required to list residences for the last 10 years, not just the ones where you’ve lived permanently. If you’ve been stationed on a ship, deployed, or lived in temporary housing, list those addresses too. A common mistake is not listing addresses for military service or time spent studying abroad.
- Education: Ensure you list all educational institutions you’ve attended in the past 10 years—even if you didn’t graduate. Don’t leave out certifications, training programs, or courses, especially if they were part of your work history.
5. Not Reporting Foreign Contacts or Activities
If you have foreign contacts or have engaged in foreign activities—whether social, financial, or professional—it’s crucial that you report them. Many applicants mistakenly assume that their distant cousin or old friend from abroad doesn’t need to be listed, but that’s not the case. DCSA requires applicants to list all foreign contacts who they’ve had a “close and continuing relationship” with in the past 7 years, including anyone connected to your spouse, domestic partner, or cohabitant. Similarly, foreign travel and financial interests must be reported, even if the contact or activity seems trivial.
6. Forgetting to Update Past Entries
If you’ve previously filled out an SF-86 form for a previous clearance or job, make sure to update any outdated information. Many applicants forget to delete old, irrelevant entries or fail to update information that has changed since their last investigation. For instance, if you previously listed a job you held more than 10 years ago but it’s no longer relevant, remove it. Similarly, ensure that you update your current address, phone numbers for references, and other identifying details that may have changed over time.
7. Not Fully Listing All Legal Issues
It’s important to be transparent about any legal history. Whether or not you were convicted or charged, police records, drug use, or alcohol-related offenses must be disclosed. Even if the case was dismissed or expunged, the DCSA requires that all legal matters—whether they were resolved or not—be reported. Don’t try to hide anything; full disclosure will likely be less problematic than omitting crucial information.
8. Underreporting Financial Issues
If you’ve experienced any financial delinquencies such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, or federal debt, you must report them. Applicants sometimes think that if the issue is resolved or they didn’t directly cause it, they don’t need to disclose it—but that’s not true. Anything related to your finances in the past 7 years must be included, even if it was your spouse’s debt or an error on the part of the creditor.
Tips for a Smooth SF-86 Submission
The SF-86 is a detailed form, and while it can be overwhelming, providing accurate and complete information is the key to avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth background investigation process. Keep these common mistakes in mind and take the time to carefully fill out the form to avoid issues down the road.
Double-check all entries.
Ensure you’ve entered all the correct details for the last 10 years—residences, jobs, schools, and contacts.
Provide context for discrepancies.
If there’s something that could be viewed as a discrepancy, explain it. For example, if you had an issue with a landlord, be upfront about it.
Seek help if needed.
If you’re unsure about anything, reach out to your security officer or a security clearance consultant for clarification.
Set yourself up for success so the process of obtaining a security clearance is more efficient and less stressful.
