MEPS Security and Background Screening Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An applicant completes the Standard Form 86 (SF 86), Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of this form in the MEPS process?
- To serve as a basis for determining physical and medical fitness for duty.
- To document the applicant's preferred military occupational specialties (MOS).
- To initiate the background investigation required for a security clearance. (Correct answer)
- To register the applicant for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
Correct answer: To initiate the background investigation required for a security clearance.
The Standard Form 86 (SF 86) is a detailed questionnaire used by the U.S. government to collect information for conducting background investigations. This investigation is necessary to determine an individual's eligibility for access to classified information and to hold a national security position. While medical fitness and job preference are part of the overall MEPS process, the SF 86 is specifically designed for the security aspect.
Question 2: A MEPS technician is handling an applicant's file which contains their full name, Social Security Number, and medical history. According to USMEPCOM policy regarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which action is required?
- PII can be stored on a personal, non-networked thumb drive for easy transport between sections.
- Documents containing PII should be left on a desk in a secured office overnight.
- Any suspected loss or compromise of PII must be reported to the USMEPCOM Privacy Act Officer within one hour. (Correct answer)
- E-mails containing PII can be sent to personal email accounts for backup purposes.
Correct answer: Any suspected loss or compromise of PII must be reported to the USMEPCOM Privacy Act Officer within one hour.
USMEPCOM Instruction 25-52-1 mandates that any loss, theft, or compromise of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI), whether actual or suspected, must be reported to the USMEPCOM FOIA/Privacy Act Officer within one hour of discovery. Storing PII on personal devices, leaving it unsecured, or sending it to personal email accounts are all violations of PII handling policies.
Question 3: An applicant for a sensitive military role has submitted their SF 86. While the full, in-depth background investigation is pending, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) may grant what type of temporary eligibility?
- A Conditional Enlistment Contract
- An Interim Security Clearance (Correct answer)
- A Preliminary Suitability Rating
- A Security Processing Waiver
Correct answer: An Interim Security Clearance
An interim security clearance is a temporary eligibility granted on a temporary basis after a favorable review of initial checks, such as the SF 86 and fingerprint results. It allows an individual to access classified information while the more comprehensive and time-consuming full investigation is completed. It is not a guarantee of a final clearance and can be withdrawn if unfavorable information is discovered.
Question 4: During the security screening interview at MEPS, an applicant is asked about their past involvement with law enforcement. The applicant has a sealed juvenile record for a minor offense. What is the correct course of action for the applicant?
- Refuse to answer any questions regarding juvenile records as they are sealed.
- State they have no record, as juvenile records are not considered in military background checks.
- Disclose the offense honestly and provide all details requested by the interviewer. (Correct answer)
- Only disclose the offense if it was a felony, as misdemeanors are not relevant.
Correct answer: Disclose the offense honestly and provide all details requested by the interviewer.
Military background checks are extremely thorough and can access sealed and expunged records, including juvenile records. It is critical for applicants to be completely honest and disclose all information, as withholding or falsifying information is a serious offense that will lead to disqualification and potential criminal charges.
Question 5: Which of the following is a primary role of the MEPS security section during an applicant's processing?
- Adjudicating the final security clearance and granting access to classified information.
- Conducting the full field investigation by interviewing the applicant's neighbors and employers.
- Initiating the background check by collecting fingerprints and reviewing the security questionnaire for completeness. (Correct answer)
- Issuing the applicant's Common Access Card (CAC) upon successful enlistment.
Correct answer: Initiating the background check by collecting fingerprints and reviewing the security questionnaire for completeness.
The role of MEPS in the security process is foundational. MEPS personnel initiate the background investigation by collecting the applicant's fingerprints for an FBI check and reviewing the security questionnaire (like the SF 86) to ensure it is filled out correctly before forwarding it for investigation. The actual investigation and final adjudication are handled by separate government agencies, such as DCSA.
Question 6: A recruiter submits an applicant's package to MEPS. The security screening reveals the applicant has significant delinquent debt and a history of failing to meet financial obligations. This situation would most likely be a concern under which adjudicative guideline for security clearances?
- Foreign Influence
- Personal Conduct
- Psychological Conditions
- Financial Considerations (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Financial Considerations
A history of significant debt or financial instability is evaluated under the 'Financial Considerations' adjudicative guideline. The concern is that an individual in financial distress may be more susceptible to bribery or coercion, posing a potential security risk. While it could relate to personal conduct, it is most directly assessed as a financial issue.
MEPS Security and Background Screening Questions and Answers
An applicant completes the Standard Form 86 (SF 86), Questionnaire for National Security Positions.
Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of this form in the MEPS process?