EPSQ question

[JIMMY]

Hey Guys,

Ok... im filling out my EPSQ, and I had a question about employment history. I worked at a flight sim business for 3.5 years but the first 3 years i was paid under the table and with sim time. Then a new owner came in and I had to fill out a w-2. So, on my application... should i still put that i "worked" there for 3.5 years, or only put 6 months, since thats all that would show up on my taxes? I've had 2 other jobs besides this, but this is the longest job ive ever held (im only 21) so Id really like to put 3.5 years if it would look good on my app.

Thanks for the help!

jP

 

[gtxc2001]

I would be inclined to go with the 6 month option. The EPSQ isn't so much about looking good, as it is about not looking bad. They are essentially trying to determine if you are likely to hand sensitive material off to somebody who doesn't deserve it. Indebtedness (is that a word?), foreign contacts, and shady criminal activity are the kinds of things that raise flags. Seems to me working "under the table" is more likely to be a strike than "Hey, this person only worked at this place for 6 months." You aren't trying to impress them.

Just my perception.

 

[JIMMY]

ok, thanks for the help!

 

[HH-60H]

I disagree completely. You should be absolutely truthful and honest when it comes to your EPSQ (well you should always be truthful and honest). The category isn't "Income tax history," it's "Employment history." If for some reason an investigator (for an SSBI) learns you were actually employed during that time period, your response may be viewed as a lie. Lying on the EPSQ is grounds for immediate denial of a clearance.

 

[xmid]

Wouldn't this fall in to the same category as something like "I mowed 40 peoples lawns over the summer"? Or "I washed cars", "tutored kids", "babysat", etc.? I have known many people that made money doing these odd jobs during school, but I doubt any of them filed taxes for them.

 

[raptor10]

to retread what retread was trying to say is that, they arent going to be looking at your tax history, but a history of people that know you that have observed your personality and would be able to vouch for or against you. so yeah put it down.

 

[gtxc2001]

Those are good points. In light of viewing it from that angle, I'd agree with stating the full term of employment.

 

[Sabre170]

This is one of those integrity issues. Try and scam the system if you want. Let assume you are to be a pilot or NFO and when it come time to get to your airframe and your EPSQ comes back with you not being truthful (just so you can get away with tax evasion) you may not get your clearance... and correct me if I am wrong, but without a clearance you may not be able to fly anything but training flights.

In other woods, I recommend saying putting down the entire time you were there... and hope they do ask tax questions.

 

[HueyCobra8151]

Just throwing this helpful tip out there: SAVE YOUR EPSQ! You will have to do another at some point (probably) and you will be happy to have alot of that information down in one place - it will save you a lot of time tracking down phone numbers/addresses/people/etc... when you do your next one - 5 or so years down the line.

 

[Chubby]

Just throwing this helpful tip out there: SAVE YOUR EPSQ! You will have to do another at some point (probably) and you will be happy to have alot of that information down in one place - it will save you a lot of time tracking down phone numbers/addresses/people/etc... when you do your next one - 5 or so years down the line.

I'll second that ... it was a pain in the ass to do it all over again for TS in advanced. In retrospect, I was kicking myself for not saving it ... do yourself the favor.

 

[HeyJoe]

In this regard, the investigators are looking for people that really know you and your work habits. They are NOT going to question how you got paid. I totally agree with HH-60H on putting the time you actually worked there as they like to see longevity. Do your research and get them someone they can contact that actually knew you and your character (ideally a supervisor).

Another tip: let people know that you've used them for a reference so they'll be prepared and not think you've done something wrong......and don't use Frat brothers who might want to be cute with responses.

 

[Chubby]

......and don't use Frat brothers who might want to be cute with responses.

... CRAP! ...

 

[JIMMY]

hey thx for all the advice guys.

 

[RHPF]

... CRAP! ...

I also listed a lot of fraternity brothers, especially since that is excluively who I have lived with since living my parent's house 3 years ago to go to college. My tip for that is to pick level headed ones (besides, my best friends are the ones I would have trusted anyways, which is at least part of the reason they are my best friends). Also, at meeting I made a comment to the effect that if anyone calls asking questions about my history be honest, but dont get smart with them.

BTW about work references, most all of my prior supervisors/managers at all of my prior jobs are long gone. Do the investigators track them down and interview them??

 

[Pugs]

Another tip: let people know that you've used them for a reference so they'll be prepared and not think you've done something wrong......and don't use Frat brothers who might want to be cute with responses.

And keep in mind one of the first things they are going to ask these people is if they know anyone else that knew you, someone you did not furnish as a reference, and they will then go talk to them. Nothing you can do to control that.