Security and Background Screening Flashcards
7 cards from real MEPS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Security and Background Screening flashcards as text
What federal agency primarily conducts background investigations for military security clearances?
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.
Which form is used to initiate a security clearance investigation for military applicants requiring a Secret or Top Secret clearance?
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.
A MEPS applicant discloses they were charged with a misdemeanor but the case was dismissed. How is this typically treated during the background screening?
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.
What is the standard investigation type for a military Secret clearance?
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.
How many years of foreign travel history must typically be reported on the SF-86 for a Secret clearance applicant?
Answer: 7 years
Applicants for a Secret clearance must report foreign travel for the past 7 years on the SF-86.
Which of the following financial issues would most likely result in an automatic disqualification for a security clearance?
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.
What is 'whole person concept' as it applies to MEPS security clearance adjudication?
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.