How does Secret Clearance work?

[EE Applicant]

What do they do in the secret clearance process? What do they ask you and what do they check?

I had an underage drinking charge when I was like 15, but that was 6 years ago..just curious if that would really hurt anything..

[smart_hopeful]

I had an underage drinking charge when I was like 15, but that was 6 years ago..just curious if that would really hurt anything..

You're probably fine. The adjudicative guidelines list youth, passage of time, and it just being a one-time mistake that hasn't recurred as mitigating factors.

Remember to list it on your SF-86, and be completely honest about it. Falsification and/or omission are automatically disqualifying.