MEPS Security and Background Screening 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What federal agency primarily conducts background investigations for military security clearances?
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) (Correct answer)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Correct answer: Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
DCSA (formerly NBIB) is the primary federal agency responsible for conducting personnel security background investigations for the Department of Defense.
Question 2: Which form is used to initiate a security clearance investigation for military applicants requiring a Secret or Top Secret clearance?
- DD Form 4
- SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) (Correct answer)
- SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions)
- DD Form 2807
Correct answer: SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)
The SF-86 is the standard federal form used to collect background information for national security position investigations, including Secret and Top Secret clearances.
Question 3: A MEPS applicant discloses they were charged with a misdemeanor but the case was dismissed. How is this typically treated during the background screening?
- Dismissed charges are automatically expunged and never reviewed
- It is still disclosed and investigators may review underlying circumstances (Correct answer)
- Only felony charges must be disclosed regardless of outcome
- Dismissed charges are treated the same as convictions
Correct answer: It is still disclosed and investigators may review underlying circumstances
Even dismissed charges must be disclosed on security forms, and investigators may still examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Question 4: What is the standard investigation type for a military Secret clearance?
- National Agency Check with Local Agency Check (NACLC) (Correct answer)
- Tier 5 (T5) Investigation
- Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
- Moderate Risk Background Investigation (MBI)
Correct answer: National Agency Check with Local Agency Check (NACLC)
A National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC/Tier 3) is the standard investigation level required for a Secret clearance.
Question 5: How many years of foreign travel history must typically be reported on the SF-86 for a Secret clearance applicant?
- 2 years
- 5 years
- 7 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 7 years
Applicants for a Secret clearance must report foreign travel for the past 7 years on the SF-86.
Question 6: Which of the following financial issues would most likely result in an automatic disqualification for a security clearance?
- Having student loan debt
- Intentional falsification of financial records or embezzlement conviction (Correct answer)
- Missing one credit card payment
- Having a mortgage with a high interest rate
Correct answer: Intentional falsification of financial records or embezzlement conviction
Criminal financial misconduct such as embezzlement or intentional fraud directly undermines the trustworthiness standard required for a security clearance.
Question 7: What is 'whole person concept' as it applies to MEPS security clearance adjudication?
- A requirement that applicants undergo full physical and mental health screening
- The holistic review of all background factors rather than any single disqualifying issue (Correct answer)
- A policy requiring family members to also be screened
- The process of verifying an applicant's entire employment history
Correct answer: The holistic review of all background factors rather than any single disqualifying issue
The whole person concept means adjudicators consider all available information together, including mitigating factors, rather than automatically denying based on one issue.
MEPS Security and Background Screening 2
What federal agency primarily conducts background investigations for military security clearances?