about how long will it take for me to get my security clearance? i went to meps last week and applied for secret clearance, but i have no idea how long it will take until i get it.

It may take months, it may take a year or two.

I started my basic training in January and got it completed in March.

My family never moved my entire life, I went to one school for each section of school. And 4 colleges.

My friend took 7 months due to a divorce as well as unemployment periods.

A "Secret" clearance is easy and fast - maybe 2-4 weeks. A "Top Secret" (you have to turn in an SF86) may take months to a year, depending on where you have lived and how much of a "history" you have.

what do you do while you wait for your clearance? I'm going to MEPS wednesday and am going to apply for a Top Secret one.

quote:

Originally posted by WeiseGuy:
what do you do while you wait for your clearance? I'm going to MEPS wednesday and am going to apply for a Top Secret one.

You can't "apply" for a specific clearance - your clearance level will depend on the job (MOS) you select. If your job requires a TS then they will give you the paperwork to fill out and turn in. You can go to Basic Training and language school (DLI) without a completed clearance. After that (for most AIT schools) you would be put on security "hold" until your clearance is finalized.