Intel Student Survives Security Clearance Wait Time

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TX, UNITED STATES

Story by Airman 1st Class Abbey Rieves

17th Training Wing Public Affairs

GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas— Like most Air Force intelligence jobs, a signals intelligence analyst is assumed to be hidden behind a computer screen, gathering data from thin air.

But one secret these students may never uncover is how long their security clearance will take before gaining access to their career training.

“After waiting a while, some students just give up,” said a tall, soft spoken young man. “I didn’t know how long I was going to wait. Nine months and I was still here. And I had known people waiting well over a year.”

For what is designed to be a three-month top secret course, Airman 1st Class Alexander Otto’s education plan stretched longer than anticipated with no end in sight. From waiting on his security clearance, entering a casual training status, to forfeiting his first duty assignment because of the security wait, Otto’s track for the operational Air Force lasted over a year.

But what could have been a year of little fruit, the family-oriented aquascaper took lemons and made lemonade.

“At first, I stayed in the background, but then I realized that’s not good,” said Otto, readjusting his thin wiry glasses. “I wanted to change myself. I pushed myself to be more of an extravert and got myself in the community more.”

The Wisconsin native challenged himself to connect with people through the White Rope Program, which provides a liaison between the technical training students and the Chaplain, as well as coordinating events and building personal growth and leadership skills.

“At first, the White Rope Program kept me occupied with my extra time here,” said Otto with a wholesome smile. “But then the program helped me stay motivated in the Air Force and helped keep me on track to do a good job.”

By going into his community through volunteerism, Otto said he lead, coordinated, participated and organized quite a lot of large events around base such as Operation Kids and weekly events like game nights.

Amongst the thousands of intelligence students the base trains each year, Otto distinguished himself by giving back to the base with over 400 hours of volunteer work, demonstrating committed excellence.

“Airman Otto was quick to accept difficult tasks with a smile,” said Master Sgt. Johnny Baker, 17th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness NCO in charge. “He completes tasks well beyond expectations and quite frequently in surprising, innovative ways.”

Like many seemingly hopeless situations, Otto reminds us by connecting with people, going into our community and growing ourselves, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Through dedication and perseverance, Otto graduated his course with a 94% on Nov. 27 and has accepted a rare and secret assignment at his new first duty station in Ohio.