So I am in the process of enlisting with the Navy right now, and I have to fill out some paper work concerning where I lived and worked the last seven years. For a year and a half after I turned 18 I lived in a city a couple hours away, and then moved back home. I have a bank loan and a credit card I am currently paying off from that city, and I had two jobs on the books while I lived down there.

My recruiter has asked me to say I never lived in that city because it would just create more paperwork, police checks, ect. I asked what about them checking my tax records or credit when I enlist and they could see that I worked and had a bank account down there, and he said they won't check that stuff when I enlist.

Ok, but what about later on if I need a security clearance? My goal is NSW, and I know you need secret or top secret security clerances. Won't they check into just about EVERY aspect of my life?

They are acting like it is lying about insignificant medical stuff at MEPS. "Don't tell them you had a cold, or that you fractured your forearm once when you were a kid." I'm a little confused because everyone says on the record that honesty is the best policy, and then off the record I'm told I should leave out this detail here or that information there because it's just more of a headache.

I have no reason to lie, I wasn't planning on it. My gut tells me this is a bad idea, but the recruiter reassures me no harm will come of it.

Buster

Omit nothing. Go with your gut instinct. Likely the recruiter would be the one to have to fill in those extra forms, so my advice is to take a good look at the forms he has already submitted on you.

You are correct, security clearances do full background checks. They do send out an investigator to your previous addresses and such and they do speak to neighbors and past associates.

Buster,

Thegunny is absolutely right. When you sign the bottom of the SF86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions), you are the one attesting to the accuracy of the information, not your recruiter. It is a criminal offense to knowingly provide false or misleading information. There is some very good advice regarding security investigations & clearances, at http://lastpostpublishing.com/resources.aspx

I know I am late in posting and hope that you followed your gut and the advice you recieved here. It sounds like the recruiter is attempting to lighten his paperwork load - shame on him, it appears he is more concerned about himself than you. Here is an article I wrote - navycs.com/blogs/bville.php/2007/02/22/complete_disclosure concerning disclosing everything. We teach and preach Honor, Courage and Commitment, disclosing and listing everything is the right thing to do.

I spent 21 years in Navy Recruiting, served as the Chief Recruiter of NRD NE, Phx, Alb and Region West. Retired in Dec06.