5 Ways To Fill Out Af Form 988 Correctly

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Filling out AF Form 988, also known as the Air Force security clearance form, is a crucial step in obtaining a security clearance for Air Force personnel, contractors, and other individuals who require access to classified information. The form is used to collect personal and background information, which is then used to conduct a thorough investigation into the individual's loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of filling out AF Form 988 correctly, highlighting the key sections and providing tips to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Understanding the Importance of AF Form 988

AF Form 988 is a critical document that plays a significant role in the security clearance process. The form is used to gather information about an individual's personal history, including their employment, education, travel, and financial history. This information is then used to conduct a thorough investigation into the individual's background, which helps to determine their eligibility for a security clearance.

Why Accuracy Matters

Filling out AF Form 988 accurately is crucial to ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and efficiently. Inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to delays or even denial of a security clearance. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to carefully review the form and provide accurate and complete information.

Section 1: Personal Identification Information

The first section of AF Form 988 requires personal identification information, including the individual's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and citizenship status. This information is used to verify the individual's identity and ensure that the correct person is being investigated.

When filling out this section, make sure to:

• Use your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or passport.
• Provide your correct date of birth and Social Security number.
• Specify your citizenship status, including any dual citizenship.

Tips for Section 1

• Double-check your Social Security number to ensure it is accurate.
• If you have a hyphenated last name, make sure to include the hyphen.
• If you have a name change, provide documentation to support the change.

Section 2: Employment History

The second section of AF Form 988 requires employment history, including current and past employment, as well as any military service. This information is used to verify the individual's employment history and identify any potential security risks.

When filling out this section, make sure to:

• List all current and past employment, including part-time and temporary jobs.
• Provide the employer's name, address, and phone number.
• Specify the dates of employment and the reason for leaving each job.

Tips for Section 2

• Include any internships, fellowships, or volunteer work.
• If you have a gap in employment, provide an explanation for the gap.
• If you have a complex employment history, consider attaching a separate sheet to provide additional information.

Section 3: Education History

The third section of AF Form 988 requires education history, including high school, college, and any postgraduate education. This information is used to verify the individual's education and identify any potential security risks.

When filling out this section, make sure to:

• List all high schools, colleges, and universities attended.
• Provide the name, address, and phone number of each institution.
• Specify the dates of attendance and the degree earned.

Tips for Section 3

• Include any online or correspondence courses.
• If you have a degree from a foreign institution, provide documentation to support the degree.
• If you have a complex education history, consider attaching a separate sheet to provide additional information.

Section 4: Travel History

The fourth section of AF Form 988 requires travel history, including any foreign travel. This information is used to identify any potential security risks and verify the individual's travel history.

When filling out this section, make sure to:

• List all foreign travel, including countries visited and dates of travel.
• Provide the purpose of each trip.
• Specify any contacts or associations made during travel.

Tips for Section 4

• Include any travel to countries with security concerns.
• If you have a complex travel history, consider attaching a separate sheet to provide additional information.
• If you have any contacts or associations that may be considered security risks, provide an explanation for the contact or association.

Section 5: Financial History

The fifth section of AF Form 988 requires financial history, including any debt, bankruptcy, or financial difficulties. This information is used to identify any potential security risks and verify the individual's financial history.

When filling out this section, make sure to:

• List all debt, including credit cards, loans, and mortgages.
• Provide the amount of debt and the payment history.
• Specify any bankruptcy or financial difficulties.

Tips for Section 5

• Include any financial difficulties, including foreclosure or repossession.
• If you have a complex financial history, consider attaching a separate sheet to provide additional information.
• If you have any financial difficulties that may be considered security risks, provide an explanation for the difficulty.

By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you fill out AF Form 988 correctly and accurately. Remember to take your time, review the form carefully, and provide complete and accurate information. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask.