Revised November 11, 2025

After decades on the road, Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) stepped into a new lane in 2021 when we hauled our first Department of Defense (DOD) load. Since then, we've steadily built our reputation as a trusted carrier for the U.S. military. Today, we're proud to give experienced truck drivers the chance to haul secure, mission-critical freight while earning top-tier pay.

If you're interested in hauling freight for the Department of Defense, one of the first steps is to obtain security clearance. To start that process, you'll need to complete the SF-86 form, also known as the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. 

Filling out the SF-86 can take several hours, and we know how stressful the process can be. But knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you avoid common mistakes and disqualifications that could delay or deny your approval. Let's get into it.

Key Points to Consider with the SF-86

• Honesty and transparency are essential. Omissions can be worse than past mistakes.

• Drug use, financial problems, and foreign ties can all affect your clearance approval
• You have the right to appeal a clearance denial under federal procedures

SF-86 FAQs

Q: Can I get a clearance if I've used marijuana in the past?
A: Yes, if the use was infrequent and has stopped. Provide full disclosure and evidence of abstinence

Q: How long does the appeal process take?
A: It can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity and documentation

Q: Will credit counseling help my case?
A: Yes; proactive steps like financial counseling demonstrate responsibility and can relieve concerns

What You'll Need for the SF-86

The SF-86 form gathers detailed background information to assess your trustworthiness and reliability. You'll be asked to provide:

• Personal information: Full legal name, Social Security number, addresses, etc.
• Employment history: Employers, positions held, and reasons for leaving
• Relationship & family details: Spouse, relatives, or cohabitants
• Foreign contacts & travel: Any ongoing foreign associations or business interests
• Psychological & emotional health: Mental health history as relevant to national security
• Drug & alcohol activity: Past and/or current use and any related offenses
• Financial records: Debts, bankruptcies, or financial defaults
• Criminal history: Any arrests, charges, or convictions

Common Security Clearance Disqualifications

Certain behaviors or patterns can raise red flags during your background check. While each case is reviewed individually, the most common security clearance disqualifiers include:

• Dishonesty during the application process
• Substance abuse or illegal drug use
• Financial irresponsibility (unpaid debts, bankruptcy, etc.)
• Criminal activity
• Unreported foreign relationships or travel (financial interests, dual citizenship, foreign property ownership, etc.)
• Mental health conditions that may impact judgment or reliability

Honesty weighs more heavily than perfection, and failure to disclose information truthfully is one of the fastest ways to lose eligibility. 

What Happens After Submitting the SF-86?

Once your form is complete, there will be a review and waiting period. During this time, you'll be asked to complete fingerprinting and background checks. Based on the results, you'll receive one of three outcomes:

• Full clearance
• Interim clearance: temporary access, pending full review
• Denial of clearance

If your application is denied, you can apply again, but you'll need to wait at least one year. You can also appeal an SF-86 clearance denial by:

• Submitting a written rebuttal within the provided timeframe
• Requesting a hearing before an administrative judge
• Providing supporting documents or witness testimony

Ready to Drive Department of Defense Freight?

Getting approved for DOD security clearance is a big deal. It shows that you're committed to safety, responsibility, and integrity. If you're ready to take the next step toward hauling military freight, check out our guide on what to expect in DOD trucking jobs and contact an Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) recruiter today.