Does anyone know how long it takes for a background check to get processed after getting fingerprinted at MEPS? I'm really anxious to get a ship date and I believe that's the last thing I do before I get one. Or do they normally give a ship date before the background check is through? Any info is appreciated, I just hate waiting.

We're in the exact same boat. My recruiter said "a couple weeks". I'm translating that as 2-3 weeks.

1.5 weeks and counting.

Dude that is a total bummer, I'm everything will work out just fine for you. And quickly too!

So I got a ship date of March 1st but I was told by a recruiter that my background check is still going on. He said it would take about 10 days for it to be finalized, which seems weird to me to have a ship date before everything is finalized but I'm not complaining

Congratulations!

Its not usually for your background check to be still pending... Ive been in about 7 months and I jus got my security clearance in December. Its something that takes time... Even after you get in and if you go a rate that requires you to have a top secret clearance that takes like 6 months or more for it to be finalized. So just be happy you have a ship date and enjoy your journey

Cograts dude

Posted By Livindalife on 22 Jan 2011 12:00 PM
Its not usually for your background check to be still pending... Ive been in about 7 months and I jus got my security clearance in December. Its something that takes time... Even after you get in and if you go a rate that requires you to have a top secret clearance that takes like 6 months or more for it to be finalized. So just be happy you have a ship date and enjoy your journey

so that means you can be done with BC and you're just barely getting your background check cleared?

This is how I understand it otasirk: The Coast Guard will run its own background check when you apply for a ship date. This takes a few weeks. If you pass this you are cleared for shipping. The fact that your recruiter, Brosephine, has given you a ship date must mean he's confident you will clear it. Congratulations man! Before you enter the DEP, you have to apply for a Secret Clearance from the government. This can take months to clear. My recruiter told me that many recruits don't receive their Secret Clearance until they've graduated BC, like Livindalife said. But basically, as long as you were honest on both background checks, you have nothing to worry about. You won't be passing the Coast Guard's check just to find out you failed the Secret one.

Hope that clears it up a little.

Thanks Jek for clearing it up!