AUSA Background Check Inquiry Forum

[Anonymous User]

Will former (over ten years ago) affiliation with Communist Party USA and Socialist Workers Party be an issue on the background check? The SF86 form just asks about groups advocating the violent / forceful overthrow of the government, which I did not understand to be endorsed by either group, but I still disclosed the affiliation on the form in the interest of absolute candor. It was in late high school and early college. Needless to say, it was an indiscretion and I haven't had any connection / interaction with either group for over ten years.

[Anonymous User]

You can kind of tell if it's an issue from the timeline. If the timeline is abnormal, that could be an issue. Generally, the background checks are three months. When were you offered the position? When did you submit your paperwork? If it's so long ago, I doubt it'll be an issue but there's a chance.

Which office?

[Anonymous User]

Thank you for the reply! I submitted the paperwork last week, so things are just getting started. It's in a Midwest office.

Looking at the adjudication guidelines it doesn't seem like an issue given the mitigating factors (long ago in college), but it's hard not to worry about it.

[Anonymous User]

On a related note, I am somewhat confused on the timeline, because I understand there is a preliminary determination and then the actual, formal adjudication. Is three months for the preliminary determination that allows you to begin employment? My searches on the subject are yielding conflicting information.

[Anonymous User]

On a related note, I am somewhat confused on the timeline, because I understand there is a preliminary determination and then the actual, formal adjudication. Is three months for the preliminary determination that allows you to begin employment? My searches on the subject are yielding conflicting information.

Yes.