How far back does the Army background check go?

Asked by: Mrs. Bernadette Kuvalis  |  Last update: September 16, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (10 votes)

All investigations cover the last 10 years of an individuals' background and consist of checks of national records and credit checks. They can also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate. Determining whether to grant a security clearance is based upon these guidelines: Allegiance to U.S.

Do background checks go back 20 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

What disqualifies you from the military background check?

Credit history: A poor credit score or outstanding debts can raise concerns about an individual's financial responsibility. Education: Inaccurate or incomplete education information can lead to disqualification. Employment history: A history of job hopping or dishonesty about employment can be a red flag.

How far back does a DOD background check go?

For a secret clearance in a national security position, the investigation requires agents to interview people who have lived or worked with the applicant at some point in the past seven years, or sometimes farther back.

What disqualifies you from DOD clearance?

What can disqualify you?
  • You are not a U.S. citizen.
  • You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
  • You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
  • You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
  • You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.

How far back will the information on a background check go?

34 related questions found

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What fails a military background check?

You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...

What background check does the army do?

The investigation focuses on character and conduct, emphasizing factors like honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, credit, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other pertinent areas.

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

This list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide some guidance to applicants regarding common disqualifying issues.
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

After employers in California make a conditional employment offer, they may order a criminal background check that goes back only seven years (with some exceptions). Therefore, employers cannot see convictions older than seven years and cannot pass you over based on seven-plus old convictions.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

How far does an FBI background check go?

In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years.

Does military history show up on background checks?

Does Your Military Record Show Up on Background Check? Your military record will not automatically appear in a general background check unless your potential employer requests it. Employers will need to get your permission to request your military record.

How far back do most background checks go?

Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.

How far back does the Navy Federal background check go?

5 yrs of employment history.

What would disqualify you from joining the army?

If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you.

What does a DoD background check look for?

The appointment of any civilian employee to a position in the Federal Government is subject to a background investigation. Examples of factors investigated with a background evaluation are an applicant's employment history, past illegal drug use, and previous records criminal.

Will the army take you with a criminal record?

Often times, a criminal record can disqualify someone from being eligible to serve in the Army. In many cases, however, it is possible for Army recruits to obtain a moral conduct waiver, which allows them to overcome this disqualification.

What looks bad on a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

What disqualifies you from military security clearance?

Full disclosure is paramount when applying for security clearances. Be honest about your background, including any potential disqualifiers such as criminal history, drug use, financial issues, or foreign associations. Attempting to conceal information or providing false details can lead to automatic disqualification.

What is the orange flag on a background check?

Orange not a Red Flag? A bad reference is not always a red flag, requiring immediate rejection, but it is often an orange flag deserving investigation. For example, the most common reason that people are fired is for poor performance/not meeting targets after employee evaluation.

How do I know if I failed my background check?

If the potential employer decides not to hire you based on the results from the background check, they must provide you with a notice of "adverse action" and a copy of the background report, along with a summary of your rights under the FCRA.

Who makes the final decision after a background check?

After a background check is complete, employers use the information they find through the process to make informed decisions about whether they would like to invite you to be a part of their organization.