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| Drug Involvement and Security Clearances |
William Henderson for ClearanceJobs.com - April 27, 2009
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AFFECTED PERSONS
A 2003 national survey of drug use showed that about 60% of Americans between 19 and 30 years of age had used an illegal drug and about 20% had used a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons some time in their lives. The “Drug Involvement” criterion under the “Adjudicative Guidelines For Determining Eligibility for Access To Classified Information” affects the clearance eligibility of many applicants by making any illegal use of drugs a potentially disqualifying condition. It also makes cultivation, manufacture, purchase, sale, distribution; and simple possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia potentially disqualifying conditions.
SECURITY CONCERN
The Adjudicative Guidelines states that drug abuse “. . . can raise questions about an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness, both because it may impair judgment and because it raises questions about a person’s ability or willingness to comply with laws, rules, and regulations.” Drug abuse also raises concerns about an individual’s susceptibility to blackmail and the possible presence of mental health issues. Drug use can cause financial problems, sometimes leading to other criminal activity to support a drug habit.
Like many other issues, the security concern related to past drug abuse focuses more on applicants’ demonstrated willingness and ability to abstain from future drug involvement than on their past conduct. Experimentation with drugs, particularly marijuana, is fairly common behavior during a person’s formative years. Such experimentation is usually benign and does not result in chronic or long-term use for most people.
EVALUATING DRUG INVOLVEMENT
When does drug abuse become a security concern? Under federal law (Section 3002 of 50 U.S.C. 435b) a current user of illegal drugs can not be granted a security clearance. Using illegal drugs a few months prior to submitting a clearance application form can be considered current use. Past drug abuse is evaluated based on:
- Which drugs were used.
- Frequency of drug use.
- Recency of drug use.
- Circumstances of drug use.
- Effects of drug use (i.e. mental health, employment, finances, arrests).
MITIGATING SECURITY CONCERNS
Illegal drug involvement can be mitigated if it is shown that the applicant is no longer involved with drugs and it is highly probable that the applicant will not become involved with drugs in the future. Determining whether an applicant is likely to have future drug involvement is primarily based on the type, frequency, and recency of past drug involvement. The following is extracted from the Defense Personnel Security Research Center’s 2007 Adjudicative Desk Reference used by many government adjudicators:
The following examples of time periods [of abstinence] that might mitigate various types and frequencies of past drug use . . . are provided for consideration in the context of all the other information available about the person. They are not a formula to be applied mechanically in all cases.
At Least Six Months: The only drug use was experimental or occasional use of marijuana, and there are no aggravating circumstances.
At Least One Year: Marijuana was used frequently, or any other drug was used experimentally, and there are no aggravating circumstances.
At Least Two Years: Marijuana was used regularly, or any other drug was used occasionally, and there are no aggravating circumstances. There was no evidence of psychological or physical dependence at the time subject was using drugs, and subject has demonstrated a stable lifestyle with satisfactory employment record since then.
At Least Three Years: Any drug other than marijuana was used frequently or regularly, or marijuana was used regularly with signs of psychological dependence. There are no other aggravating circumstances. Subject has maintained a stable lifestyle, satisfactory employment record, and a completely clean record in all other issue areas during the past three years.
At Least Five Years: A minor involvement in drug trafficking for profit or failure to complete a drug treatment program. Subject has maintained a stable lifestyle, satisfactory employment record, and a completely clean record in all other issue areas during the past five years.
The Adjudicative Desk Reference uses the following definitions for levels of drug use:
Experimental Use: Initial use for a maximum of six times, or more intensive use for a maximum of one month.
Occasional Use: Once a month or less.
Frequent Use: Once a week or less, but more than once a month.
Regular or Habitual Use: More than once a week.
Aggravating factors that could require longer periods of abstinence to mitigate drug abuse include: drug use while holding a security clearance, solitary drug use, growing or making one’s own drugs, relapse after completion of a drug treatment program, and other misconduct related to illegal drugs.
Factors that support the minimum period of abstinence include: disassociation from drug-using associates, drug use occurred between late teens and late twenties, changing or avoiding the environment where drugs were used, successful completion of a drug treatment program with a favorable prognosis, and a signed “statement of intent” not to illegally use drugs in the future and agreeing to an automatic revocation of clearance for any violation.
INTERIM CLEARANCES
In order to receive an interim security clearance, potentially disqualifying information disclosed by an applicant in the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86—SF86) must be mitigated by other information included in the form. This is because interim clearance decisions are made before the security clearance investigation is completed. Some drug-related disqualifying conditions can be mitigated by merely listing the type, frequency, circumstances, and dates of drug use as required by the SF86. Applicants are also permitted to include additional mitigating information in the “Continuation Space” at the end of the paper version of the SF86 or in the “Comment Section” following appropriate question on the electronic (eQIP) version. Including additional mitigating information, as well as a “statement of intent,” is often a determining factor in the granting of an interim clearance.
William H. Henderson is a retired security investigator, author of Security Clearance Manual, and regular contributor to ClearanceJobsBlog.com and ClearanceJobs.com.
Copyright © 2009 Last Post Publishing. All rights reserved.
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| Chris G (Bethesda, MD) |
on 19 Mar 2010 at 9:31 am |
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Pondering getting a clearance:
I am thinking of applying for jobs that require clearances but like a lot of people I have past drug use. Here is my history.
Marijuana use experimentation started young and probably used 5-10 times/yr in high school.
College Marijuana use was frequent on and off for 5 years (2000-2005) and I experimented with Cocaine (3 times) and mushrooms (4 times). I also used aderol without a prescription to help me study fairly regularly. I didn't do all that well in college either and dropped out for a semester mid way (unrelated to drug use).
After college (mid to early 2006) I pretty much gave up everything. Think I did Marijuana 4 times between 2006-2008. In late 2008 I did mushrooms again (the only other drug besides marijuana out of college) and pot for the last time. I have been clean since December 2008 and have been holding steady job at a great company, good credit, part time graduate school (doing well) etc since 2006. I am very far removed from a drug use environment and have absolutely no intentions of using again.
What are my chances for various levels of security?
Thanks! |
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| Jake (LA) |
on 18 Mar 2010 at 4:07 pm |
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Thanks Bill. This website is a really great.
So if I understand correctly TS/SCI is something even higher then just receiving TS and SCI will have it's own adjudicative policies depending on the particular agency. So I may be okay using the adjudicative guidelines above for TS?
Well, I already submitted my forms and I was honest about everything (which seems to be the best course of action in all these situations). I do wish they would add more space to the forms so I could give the circumstances and such for each instance.
Thanks! |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 18 Mar 2010 at 9:28 am |
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Jake (LA),
You provide a tough scenario for an adjudicator. SCI is an access identifier above the TS level. Normally, contractor positions for SCI are connected to an “intel agency” and they are responsible for adjudicating SCI. Most intel agencies are somewhat harder on drug use, especially the recency and variety that you have described. Additionally, most intel agencies make use of the polygraph during their processing, so providing false information on the SF 86/eQIP and personal interview is never advised. My opinion is that you would not get the SCI eligibility until a longer period of time has elapsed since your last use. |
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| William Henderson |
on 15 Mar 2010 at 3:54 pm |
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Nervous about life (NH):
This article offers some broad guidelines, but no one can give you an accurate estimate of the minimum amount of time you should wait before you will have a good chance of getting a clearance.
There are just too many variables involved, including the adjudicator and agency that decides your clearance eligibility and the “whole person” factors that will be taken into consideration in your case.
See my response to “Peace of Mind” on 3 Mar 2010 at 1:05 am (below) in which I gave 2 examples where one applicant who had abstained from drugs for 5 months was granted a clearance and another applicant who had abstained from drugs for 15 months was denied a clearance. |
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| William Henderson |
on 15 Mar 2010 at 3:37 pm |
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David (TN):
It seems that all of your marijuana use (1992-1997) occurred with the the 7-year time frame, if you submitted your SF86 in 1999. However, almost any suitability/security issue can be mitigated by “passage of time without recurrence” and/or by the unlikelihood of recurrence because the behavior was an isolated incident.
I think your chance of getting a TS/SCI is good, but no one can guarantee your success. If the State Department denies you a clearance, the information on which they based their denial can be provided to the US Army Central Clearance Facility (CCF). CCF will make its own decision whether to continue or revoke your Army clearance. It is my understanding that all NCOs and officers must be eligible for a secret clearance, so if your Army clearance is revoked (which I don’t think is likely), you may be prohibited from continuing in the ARNG when your current obligation ends.
BTW periodic reinvestigations for secret clearances should be initiated about 2-4 months before the 10-year anniversary of the date the last investigation was completed (not the 10-year anniversary of the clearance date). |
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| nervous about life (NH) |
on 14 Mar 2010 at 11:47 pm |
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I'm currently a college student looking for jobs right now. Six months ago I was arrested for possession of marijuana and for smoking in public. Those charges were eventually dismissed. For about a year before that incident I was a frequent marijuana user, and before that I was an occasional smoker. (I never smoked before college.) I quit smoking immediately after I got arrested as it was a huge wake up call. I see how serious the consequences of using marijuana are now that I'm looking for a job and don't think I'll be able to obtain a security clearance.
What can I do/ how long should I wait before applying for a job that requires a security clearance? Should I even bother applying to these jobs? I'm nervous that in applying for these jobs they'll find out about my past history and never consider hiring me in the future.
Thank You. |
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| William Henderson |
on 14 Mar 2010 at 12:27 am |
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| wondering? Yes, you should be concerned. |
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| David (TN) |
on 13 Mar 2010 at 4:30 pm |
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I tried pot in 1992. I occasionally used it from 1993 to 1997 (and that was infrequently/socially), maybe a couple times a year at best. I was in my 20's then. I joined the military in 1998 and never looked back.
However, when I filled out my SF86 in 1999, I didn't report the pot use. I have had a Secret Clearance for 12 years now, and have NEVER even thought about pot usage (I've never even seen another drug for that matter). But it's always bugged me about the SF86. I also thought that the SF86 mentioned "7 years" in which case I wouldn't have been lying at all. I am now going for a TS-SCI, and want to clear my name. Will I get in trouble for that? Will I lose my Secret now and be booted out of the Army National Guard?
I am pursuing a job with the State Department, and they will be conducting the TS-SCI. This clearance will be separate from my current Secret with the ARNG, which comes due next year as well. I've never been in ANY trouble, etc other than the minimal pot usage. I've got great credit, never been in trouble with the law, and my last speeding ticket was in 1990. Thanks |
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| wondering? |
on 11 Mar 2010 at 3:31 pm |
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After being offered and accepting a job, dependent on the award of a contract with a government contractor, I began the process of getting a Secret security clearance. Knowing that this process takes a long time to complete, I wanted to get going on it as quickly as possible. I filled out the SF86 in less than 24hours and thought I paid attention to every detail. After signing and submitting the form, I was going back over my answers and to my dismay, realized I used an incorrect date regarding past marijuana use.
I meant to put 2008, but instead put 2009 and did not catch this typo until I had already submitted the form. I contacted my Security sponsor and she said there is nothing she can do as it has already been submitted.
Now I am concerned this will ruin my chances of being granted the interim secret because it makes me appear as though I have recently used marijuana, when in fact, it has been well over a year. My record is superb in every other regard.
Should I be concerned about being granted an interim secret? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 11 Mar 2010 at 11:42 am |
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HopingForClearance (WI),
Please see my comments to Starting Clean, below. Although your DUI seems to be more serious than his alcohol incident, it is over one year old and I think you have been clean enough. In my opinion, you should be granted a clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 11 Mar 2010 at 11:38 am |
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Starting Clean (MN),
I applaud your wake-up call and efforts to do the right thing. First of all, provide truthful information on your enlistment application and security paperwork. Your drug use, although it seems like a lot, ended over a year ago and that demonstrates intent to avoid drug involvement. Your alcohol incident seems minor, but will show up in local agency checks, so don’t fail to list it. In my opinion, your clearance should be granted. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 11 Mar 2010 at 11:32 am |
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Justin,
In my opinion, your situation should not result in a clearance denial. Your last drug use seems to be about 2006, which will not be a problem. Your DUIs are 8 years old, also should not be a problem. Enrolling in a debt consolidation or credit reduction counseling program is favorable in that you are trying to be proactive to manage your debts. The issue here will be are you currently delinquent on debts and how much, as well as does your total debt put you at risk to be subject to pressure or coercion? Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 11 Mar 2010 at 11:26 am |
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Anonymous,
You have raised a question that has plagued clearance holders for many years – reporting information on co-workers. However, the problem lies in the credibility of the information. If you have observed her use illegal substances, possibly in a social setting (picnic, concert, etc), you have the duty and responsibility to report her activity to the appropriate security official. Without evidence (date, time, location), it is your word against hers. She can always say she was just probing you or expanding on the true to fit in, etc. Sorry I don’t have a better answer for you. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 11 Mar 2010 at 11:19 am |
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Joe (DC),
Do not worry about your drug use count. Using 25 times vs 24 times will not make a difference in the adjudication of your case. What will be more important is the date of last use. I suspect you will be interviewed and you can again express your intent to refrain from any drug involvement in the future. At that time, you can also make corrections to your eQIP regarding your family members living abroad. Unless they are living in countries whose interests are against the U.S., this should not be a problem. Minor errors in completing the SF 86/eQIP are not normally a cause to deny a security clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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| HopingForClearance (WI) |
on 09 Mar 2010 at 5:01 pm |
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I have had some things in my past that I'm concerned about, as I'm enlisting and I will need a secret clearance. From late 07-09, I engaged in what can be described as "frequent" use of marijuana, totaling about two to three times a month. I also tried ecstasy twice and mushrooms once in late 08. I got a DUI early 2009, and have been clean ever since (so a little more than a year now). I was also not the best student during this time.
Is there any chance I could get a clearance? If not, what would I have to do to prove that I am worthy? |
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| Starting Clean (minnesota) |
on 09 Mar 2010 at 4:37 pm |
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I am enlisting in the Navy in a few days time, for a job requiring a secret level clearance (aviation rescue swimmer). I have some concerns about my past. I do not wish to lie on my SF86, as I wish to make a career out of this.
From around Sept 2007 to Feb 2009, I used marijuana on and off, with some regular usage totaling around 150 times. My high school friends that I had made (after transferring schools) at the time were involved with smoking, and I was initially pressured into it towards the end of my senior year. I also attribute my later heavier smoking to coping with my fathers diagnosis of non-hodgekins lymphoma, a type of cancer.
In late 2008, I lived in a college dormitory setting where drug usage was commonplace. I tried MDMA 3 times and psilocybin mushrooms 1 time during this time period, and felt awful from both so I stopped. At this time, my grades were beginning to slip and I was placed on academic suspension from a community college.
In Feb 2009, i got a misdemeanor Not-A-Drop (which is basically a lower level DUI...I was driving while under the influence, but I was under the legal limit..I believe .04 or .05). This was quite a shocker, and snapped me to my senses. Following this, I stopped smoking or doing any illicit substances as I realized what a negative impact this was collectively having on my future (although I occasionally still had a few beers perhaps twice a month, though never drinking to excess). I voluntarily went to a chemical evaluation for my court appearance, which revealed that I did not have a chemical dependence problem.
I began to use my time away from school constructively, and severed ties with most of my friends associated with drug use, with the exception of one or two of my close friends, who respected my choice to stop and never pressured me.
I have stayed clean, gotten a job which I have kept for over 6 months now, and am continuing to progress.
I enjoy life much more now away from chemicals, and have absolutely no desire to return to them.
Would I be able to obtain secret clearance, with the knowledge that this was in my past and I have made significant efforts to wipe my slate clean? (especially my decision to serve my country, hopefully until I am forced to retire) |
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| Justin |
on 07 Mar 2010 at 7:56 pm |
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I joined the army national guard in 2002. I was in for 3 and a half years. On new years I smoked marijuana. I was discharged (general discharged). I got back into the guard a year ago, and now I am trying to switch to a MOS that requires a SC.
Will the discharged effect me even tho it was a general not dishonorable? I also have two DUIs on my record . One was in 2000 and the other was in 2002. I spent four days in jail before I went to basic training. I have not smoked marijuana since that new years. My wife has joined a credit card consolidation program because of high interest rates. Will this financial decision hurt me, as well as my past behaviors? |
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| Anonymous |
on 06 Mar 2010 at 3:28 pm |
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| Strange question here. I have a co-worker at my job who recently received a secret clearance, regardless of the fact that she smoked marijuana regularly up until 2 weeks of getting a federal job. I know that she under-reported the frequency of use, but as long as the use had ended, it seemed harmless, and it wasn't my place to make OPM's decision for them. However, she recently told me that she's smoked marijuana during our employment, and after she received her clearance. She has no plans to self-report. Is there any way to report this? How should a co-worker (I also possess a security clearance) deal with this issue? |
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| Joe (DC) |
on 05 Mar 2010 at 8:58 am |
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I recently submitted an SF86 and made several dumb mistakes that I only caught when looking through the PDF several days later. I filled out this form during the course of several months and did not check it completely upon submission.
I have non-immediate family members living abroad who I see often and whose relation to me I did not explain in the form. Hence it looks as if there are totally random foreign national contacts stated on the form. I did not mean to omit this information.
Additionally and much more seriously, I miscounted the number of times Id used a certain common drug in my past. The total I put down was 24 times in the last 4.5 years, but I miscounted one of the numbers and typed in an entirely incorrect number for one instance and the actual total is in fact 25.
I have all ready spoken with my security officer but since it was submitted through equip it cannot be amended. There is an extremely high chance considering the above factors, and the fact that I have been to several countries in the past 7 years, that I will be interviewed for the secret level clearance. If I explain the above, provide documentation that I attempted to contact my security officer and amend the situation, and state my continued intent to not use drugs, will together this mitigate the fact that there was incorrect information on my form?
I could even show them this blog in an effort to further state my case. I am very worried that I will either a) get into legal trouble and/or b) have my clearance denied due to stupid mistakes. Although my current job at my company does not require a clearance, it is extremely beneficial for future advancement. I would really appreciate any advice. |
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| William Henderson |
on 03 Mar 2010 at 1:19 am |
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Toby:
Don’t worry about the information you provided the Marine Corps. You have a perfectly good explanation for why there was less information on the paperwork done by the Marine recruiter. As for the rest of your question, see my response to “Peace of Mind” below. |
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| William Henderson |
on 03 Mar 2010 at 1:05 am |
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Peace of Mind:
I think your chance of getting a clearance is good, but it is only my opinion. Predicting such things is like trying to predict what sentence a judge will impose for a first-time DUI. I’ve seen different judges impose grossly different sentences for the exact the same set of facts. Depending on the judge and the jurisdiction, a first-time DUI sentence can range from a few hundred dollar fine with a little community service to a week of jail time, a couple thousand dollars in fine, suspended license, 3 years probation, 1000 hours of community service and a 3-month alcohol treatment program.
There are two cases that exemplify these differences and both were at DOHA. You can imagine the differences that are possible when similar cases are decided at completely different agencies. The first is Case No. 04-10404 (http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/industrial/04-10404.h1.html) and the second is Case No. 09-00521 (http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/industrial/09-00521.h1.pdf).
The drug use in both cases is very similar (there is little difference between using marijuana 70 times over a 9 year period and using it 120 times over a 3 year period). The one who hadn’t used any drugs for less than 5 months (last use to date of hearing) was granted a clearance, and the applicant who hadn’t used any drugs for 15 months (last use to date of hearing) was denied a clearance. If you read the case decisions, you will see that sometimes the deciding factor is the judge not the facts. Okay, the first applicant received counseling and had a little more going for him under the “whole person” concept, but only 5 months of abstinence following poly-drug use! |
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| Toby (US) |
on 02 Mar 2010 at 12:58 pm |
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William or Bill,
I am considering applying to be a Foreign Service Officer with State and my issue will be drug use.
I used THC off and on, regularly at times, from the the end of high school (2002) to first quarter 2009. Since the beginning of 2009 I have not taken any illegal drugs. From the period of 2003-2006 I used cocaine occasionally, and used it less than 5 times from 2006 to first quarter 2009. I also used opium once in 2004, mushrooms less than five times ending in 2006, and ecstasy once in 2004. Clearly this raises red flags.
By the time I apply, it will have been about 2 year since last use. My question is whether this is enough time, or should I wait another year? Is my pattern of use simply too much to overcome?
Further, this past year I approached a marine recruiter who took down my information and some of my drug use history. We stopped half way through the conversation as he said he would need to ask his advisers if such use would be OK (this is for a non-clearance role).
My question is whether this information will turn up in a clearance investigation, my concern being that the history on this form will be incomplete.
Thanks for your time. |
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| Peace of Mind (Aberdeen, MD) |
on 02 Mar 2010 at 11:42 am |
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I have filled out the security forms and just had an interview with an investigator because I admitted to drug use on the forms. I have been completely honest and consistent on the forms and in the interview. I am 23 years old and used marijuana from Dec 2003 to Summer of 2007 with varying levels of frequency but at least once a week during that time period and up to 3 or 4 times a week (for about a one year period).
I have no record, financial problems, etc. I have since completed a graduate degree, gotten married, and been drug free.
I need a secret security clearance for my position. I have read the article, and given that I was in high school and college while I used and have no other faults, I feel I am OK. However, I would like the opinion of someone more knowledgeable than I as to whether my clearance will be granted.
Thanks!! |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 02 Mar 2010 at 11:03 am |
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Anonymous (CA),
You situation is a tough call. This will certainly be an issue the employing agency looks at as your history clearly falls under the adjudicative guideline that states that illegal drug use after being granted a security clearance is a condition that could raise a security concern.
My experience is that some “intelligence” agencies are very hard on this. However, most realize that it is important to weigh the skills a person brings to the table. Your 2+ years since last use will be looked upon as favorable. I urge you to be honest in completing all employment and security forms and during any required polygraph process. Good luck. |
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| Anonymous (California) |
on 23 Feb 2010 at 5:47 pm |
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Hello Bill, I have a question for you. I recently was honorably discharged from service a short while ago. I received a TS/SCI while in the military. I was honest during my investigation and let it be known I had tried marijuana 3-4 times in the past. It was basicly a non issue, I got my clearance with no problem.
In 2007 while home on leave I smoked marijuana again one time while possessing a TS/SCI. Also, sometime during late 2006 early 2007 a co worker (who also has a TS/SCI), gave me a couple of percocet painkillers which I did take. Since those two instances from early 2007 I have not taken any drugs. Now that I am discharged I have been receiving job offers to be a contractor. I still have an active TS/SCI and am aware I will probably have to get a poly for employment. I plan on being honest on any paperwork as well as the poly and telling them the truth, but what is the likelyhood this is going to become a problem and what possible repercussions will there be? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 23 Feb 2010 at 11:18 am |
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Patrick (FL),
First of all, stop worrying. Your first issue is a non-issue. Asthma has never been (to my knowledge) a reason to expand an investigation or deny a security clearance eligibility. The admission of asthma would have been for your induction physical so the doctor could evaluate your fitness to begin and complete basic training.
Secondly, once the eQIP has been sent to OPM to conduct the investigation, you can not amend it. However, a TS clearance investigation requires a personal interview. During the interview, you can explain that subsequent to completion of the eQIP, you became aware of the debt and paid it. Since you were not aware of the debt prior to completing the eQIP, you did not deliberately falsify the information. Good luck. |
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| Patrick (Florida) |
on 20 Feb 2010 at 12:22 pm |
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Bill,
Thanks in advance for taking a look at my question. I have a two-part question.
First, I am in the DEP program for the Air Force and my job requires TS Clearance. During MEPs we were asked if we had symptoms of asthma after the age of 12. I had mild symptoms earlier in life, but not after the age of 12. So I answered "no." But now that I'm learning more about the background check I'm seeing places that even if you had asthma prior to the age of 12 you still need to put that down on your application at MEPs. I was unaware of this, and don't think I can amend the app at MEPs. It raises concern because if the SSBI goes back into my medical records they will see the asthma as a child won't that contradict what they were trying to figure out at MEPs? The only prescription drugs associated with asthma were preventative inhalers that we kept in the house just in case any symptoms recurred, which never happened. That being said, my family still purchased some of these meds after I turned 12 for preventative measures. I'm just nervous at this point in time, any suggestions?
Second, I did a credit check on myself even after the Air Force did one on me in order to get a better idea of what they were looking at. On the Initial credit check done by the AF we found a charge that had been turned over to collections, I didn't know what it was for (2004) and I paid immediately based on the AF credit policy for entrance. Once that was cleared, I was accepted into the AF. More recently the credit check I did on myself (using all 3 credit reporting agencies) found that there was one more that had been in collections, but NOT found by the AF credit check. Again, this was from 2005 and I paid right away but on my SF 86 I didn't list it because I filled that out before I checked my credit on my own. Can I amend the SF 86 upon arrival at basic training?
How often do investigators obtain childhood medical records?
I'm really worried, I just wanted to fill out everything correctly and now it seems the more I learn the less confident I feel about my responses on the application.
Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
-Pat |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 18 Feb 2010 at 11:23 am |
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Benny (MD),
There are 2 possibilities – one is that you were denied an interim clearance/access, in which case there is no SOR because you can not appeal an interim denial.
The second is that some “intelligence agencies” read the directive for SCI access eligibility (Intelligence Community Policy Guidance 704.3 and prior Director of Central Intelligence Directive 6/4) as they can deny the eligibility, and then afford you the SOR and rebuttal process.
If you want more definitive guidance, I suggest you contact an attorney who has experience in the security clearance arena. There are several very good ones in Maryland. Good luck. |
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| Benny Palmer (MD) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 10:41 pm |
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Thanks for the feedback Bill...
After I turned my SF86, maybe a month later my first contact after turning my paper work was to take a poly. I was instructed by Security Officer that if I didn't' receive results right after the poly, to give her a call 2 weeks later. A week later, I had my security interview, which I felt went well, I remained consistent with my sf86, and from my poly...So I waited the 2 weeks and gave my security officer a call regarding the poly. There I was told that my security clearance was denied. She told me that I would receive a packet explaining the reasons behind it.
The thing that threw me off for a loop was after I was told I was denied, myself, my references, professors, and past employers were still being contacted by the investigators regarding investigating my background. This is the first time I've ever been thru this process... I was under assumption before making the a decision on a denial, the investigation has to be completed. So, I'm waiting at the bit for this SOR, to see what happened... Because at this point I don't know what is going on....
Bill one more thing I noticed in your last response...
You mentioned I should receive a SOR or LOI before the denial of the clearance?? Could you elaborate a little more on that... This is the first time I've ever been thru this process, and I'm clueless.. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 2:24 pm |
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Kay,
I can not speak to State Department procedures, but keep your chin up. In my opinion, your minimal drug use 5 years ago should not prohibit you from being hired by the government nor should it stop you from being granted a security clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 2:20 pm |
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Benny (MD),
Under the various directives implementing the Personnel Security Program, there is a procedure that all agencies are supposed to follow when information indicates that an individual should not have a clearance eligibly. Specifically, after a review of the completed investigation, the adjudicator initiates a notice to the individual called a Statement of Reasons (SOR), aka Letter of Intent (LOI). The SOR is sent to you, usually through your servicing security officer, and you are required to acknowledge receipt and indicate whether or not you will submit a response.
You usually have 60 days to submit the response or the clearance is denied. If you submit a response and the clearance is denied, the adjudicator initiates a letter of determination (LOD) sent to you through your security officer. The LOD tells you the clearance was denied and gives you information on how to appeal the decision.
There is no established time frame for how soon after completion of the investigation the adjudicator must take action. Hope this info helps. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 2:10 pm |
|
Mac (San Diego),
Your situation has several issues to address. First, chances are slim (though not impossible) that the differences in your SF 86 applications will be identified. The 2 SF 86’s will be sent to 2 different investigative agencies (OPM for the USMC and the FBI) and the results will be sent to 2 different adjudication facilities (DoNCAF for the USMC and the FBI). So chances are slim that either adjudication facility will see both SF 86’s.
Next issue – falsifying the USMC SF 86. I have 34 years military experience (Active and Reserve) and ANY recruiter who tells anyone to deliberately falsify a form to get the training, assignment, or skill they want should be slapped down and reclassified posthaste. I know they are under pressure for quality applicants and a monthly body count, but it is wrong. Recruiters can only tell you what the regulation says about a skill prerequisite or their past experience, but they can not accurately predict the adjudicative outcome of your SF 86 submission.
In my opinion, your minimal drug use 5 years ago should not prohibit you being granted a clearance or being assigned to intel duties. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 1:48 pm |
|
Rick (Mexico),
I can not speak for the State Department (who probably adjudicates US Embassy personnel), but a military adjudication facility would probably grant you a clearance eligibility. Your DUI is old and your minimal drug use is 1+ years old. If your delinquent credit amount is not too much, it will probably pass. I suggest you get a current credit report from the 3 leading credit reporting companies and if any info is erroneous, take action to get it corrected. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 1:43 pm |
|
Pat (FL),
In my opinion, your chances are good to be granted TS/SCI eligibility. Your drug use is 5+ years old and your other criminal conduct is 11+ years old. Keep in mind that most DIA positions require a polygraph, so provide accurate (to the best of your recollection) and consistent answers when completing the form, during your personal interviews and during your polygraph interviews. Good luck. |
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| MW (Seattle, WA) |
on 16 Feb 2010 at 12:45 pm |
|
My brother-in-law is a civilian working for a DOD contractor. Last fall he was arrested for possession of prescription pain killers; a short time later he was also arrested for DUI (alcohol). He is terrified of losing his security clearance (and his job), and he is absolutely convinced that there is nothing he can do to prevent this from happening. He attends AA meetings but continues to drink because, he says, stopping won't make any difference. The stress and fear -- and his drinking -- have really taken their toll on his judgment, and, under the current circumstances, I'm sure he WILL lose his clearance. Until recently he was a valuable, smart, dedicated employee.
Besides the obvious advice that he should address his drinking problem, are there any steps he can take to prevent what he believes is an inevitable outcome? Thank you. |
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| Kay |
on 15 Feb 2010 at 6:01 pm |
|
What a wonderful and informative site.
I interned as an undergrad w/DoS overseas w/what I assume was an interim security clearance. While interning I took a hit of a marijuana cigarette offered to me. I was with a foreign national and a US citizen. The reason I only took one hit was because immediately I realized what a terrible mistake this was.
I smoked again (1) later that year and used adderal a several times (4?) that year. Why? I was going through a lot of changes and not knowing what the next steps in my life were.
Now, it is over five years later. No drug use since. Moved. Worked. Entered a graduate program. In short, grew up. I was considering applying to an internship w/DoS, or another gov agency, feeling that a good deal of time had passed and perhaps I had redeemed myself. But looking at the SF86 and question about drug use while holding a security clearance is terrifying.
Will I get thrown out for an interim? Would being thrown out on interim mean no chance for internships? Would it be better to wait and let more time elapse ? Will I ever be able to hold a security clearance? Is gov employment a dream I can ever hope to pursue at this point or something to toss in the garbage? |
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| Benny Palmer (MD) |
on 14 Feb 2010 at 10:01 pm |
|
| How long doe it normally take to receive a Statement of Reasons, after a denied clearance? |
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| mac (San Diego) |
on 11 Feb 2010 at 11:46 am |
|
So this is a little lengthy please bear with me. I was an active duty officer in the Marine Corps from 2001-2005. I received an honorable discharge and have been working a civilian job ever since.
When I left the Marine Corps I had no desire to ever return though I was still a member of the IRR and am currently a member of the IRR. In September of 2005 while engaged to another former Marine Officer I made the mistake at his best friend's wedding of taking a hit of Marijuana for the first time in my life. I've never done any drugs before and that was the first and only time. This was 5 years ago. Currently I'm in the application process with the FBI and there policy is, as long as the use wasn't significant or in within the last 3 years it shouldn't be a problem. However, they do ask that you disclose all information of prior use so I did. FBI is fine with this.
Concurrently I've been offered the opportunity to change my MOS in the Marine Corps reserves to intelligence, which would also require a TS clearance. The Marine Corps has a "zero tolerance" for any kind of drug use following already served time. My prior service recruiter said that if I say yes on my clearance forms I'd be disqualified from serving in a reservists capacity forever. He gave me guidance not to disclose this information.
The FBI however will make me put yes on my SF-86, because it asks you to go back 7 years. So my long winded question is, if I have two TS clearance checks going on at the same time and they have mismatched info in the marijuana use area, will I be denied and will the military discover what the other said? I
Thank you for the time!
Mac |
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| Rick (Mexico) |
on 11 Feb 2010 at 1:18 am |
|
Hi, Bill (or anyone).
I fear that I may not get security clearance with the U.S. Embassy due to my past history of occasional drug use, an alcohol-related incident and delinquent credit. Sounds bad already, doesn't it?!
I last smoked marijuana over a year ago. That was one time. I did other illicit drugs perhaps 5 years ago. That was a few times only with a couple months time.
I had a DUI almost 15 years ago. That was B.S. But I got it, anyway.
My current credit is bad to poor, due to not being able to make payments because of financial difficulty over the last several years. So I have a few bad marks on my credit.
I´m 39 years old, if that makes any kind of impact.
So...would I most definitely be denied security clearance?
Thanks. |
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| Pat (Florida) |
on 10 Feb 2010 at 6:42 pm |
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| Hello, 30 year old applying for TS/SCI for DIA intel position, and I'm a bit nervous. I used marijuana occaisionally from ~2000-2004, about 15-20 times. I have since moved, went to grad school, got married and started a family, no drug use or contact with drug users. I also have an underage drinking and property damage citation (the prop damage was dropped) from 1998. Do I have a shot? Any feedback is much appreciated. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 09 Feb 2010 at 11:50 am |
|
Steve (FL),
The only advice I can give is that you should always answer questions concerning employment, suitability for employment and security clearance questionnaires honestly. Many who don’t are caught in the lie and that is worse than what they are trying to hide. For a TS clearance, whether DoD or not, the investigation usually entails interviews with your present and former employers, personal references, employment references, neighborhood references, people with knowledge of your periods of unemployment and possibly knowledge of your education. And any ex-spouses. Also, you will undergo a personal interview and good investigating agents can tell when people are "fudging" the answers. Again, I urge anyone working in any capacity with the government to answer questions and complete forms honestly based on the questions asked. |
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| Steve (FL) |
on 08 Feb 2010 at 6:28 pm |
|
Bill H and Bill L,
I am currently in the process of submitting my SF-86 for TS (non-DOD). I completed SF-86's in the past, admitting only to experimental marijuana use until 2003. But I have continued to dabble infrequently in cocaine and marijuana up until about last year. There is no record of this use, and while I would be happy to admit it now, I fear that admitting misrepresentation on the earlier SF-86's (one as late as last year) is probably riskier than continuing with the earlier story (especially since only a personal reference could reveal the true extent of my use). Given the background investigation, what is the likelihood that my real drug use will emerge? Do I have a chance to make things right now? And would such an admission widen the scope of the drug component of the investigation? Thanks for your help. And great website! |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:26 pm |
|
Swampee (Fla):
The adjudicative standards for a Top Secret clearance are exactly the same as for a Secret clearance, only the investigations are different. So if you previously disclosed your past drug involvement for your Secret clearance, you should have no problem getting a Top Secret clearance. Not all federal law enforcement positions are equal, so there may be differences in federal employment suitability standards for the two positions. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 01 Feb 2010 at 5:18 pm |
|
Hmodeous:
Did you read the article? You have no hope of being granted a security clearance until you decide to permanently stop your illegal use of drugs. I don’t recommend you even apply for a clearance until you have made that decision and have abstained from marijuana use for at least 6 months. You will have to check with a military recruiter about you eligibility to join the military for a position that requires a security clearance. The 3 traffic violations are very minor and don’t even have to be listed on the clearance application form if the fines were less than $300 each. The fighting is also a relatively minor matter, if it is not part of a pattern of misconduct/rule violation. |
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| swampee (Fla) |
on 29 Jan 2010 at 5:58 pm |
|
| Hello, I am in the process of applying for a TS clearance and wanted to know how would my past use influence a decision on me getting a clearance or not. I used ecstasy 1x (1pill) in December 2000 and 1x (1pill) in Jan 2001. Marijuana 1x (1joint) in December 2003. I have had a Secret clearance before, but am worried that TS may be more strict. The clearance is for an LE position. My past position was LE as well. Thanks. |
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| bristolboard (California) |
on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:17 pm |
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| Thanks, Bill L, for your response! |
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| Hmodeous (Bay Area, California) |
on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:33 am |
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I'm 21 year old and am now certain I want to join the army and train to become a linguist/translator.
My question is will I receive security clearance if I smoked marijuana in my junior year of High school, quit and now I might smoke occasionally maybe 3 times a month... I never had any arrests because of the drug but did spend the night in jail for getting into a street fight, I also have received 2 speeding tickets and a red-light ticket just recently!! I understand I'm a hot headed young kid but I'm learning and want to be in the military, can I have hopes of gaining clearance? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 28 Jan 2010 at 11:59 am |
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Bristolboard (CA),
If you do not use again and no other issues develop (finances, etc), I see no problem with you being granted a Secret clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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| Bristolboard (CA) |
on 27 Jan 2010 at 12:32 pm |
|
I'm 21 years old seeking to go into the cyber security field. I know eventually i will need at least a secret security clearance. I'm graduating with a degree in Business administration and will get an MBA in information assurance and security.
Last year I experimentally used Marijuana in March-April; stopped for 6 months then used it again 3 times from November to December. My New Year's Resolution was to quit indefinitely, which has so far worked. I was wondering what would my chances be on getting a Secret or TS security clearance? I probably wouldn't be getting the Cyber Security Job until after the MBA around 2012? I have a clean record apart from that. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 26 Jan 2010 at 8:45 pm |
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Bill L:
Thanks for your comments. The AJ's decision in that case really surprised me. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 26 Jan 2010 at 6:58 pm |
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SEY (NM):
I don’t know how long it is now taking for DOHA to issue a decision following a hearing, but last fall most hearing decisions were issued between 8 to 12 weeks after the hearing date. I’m not aware of any way to speed up the process. DOHA’s telephone number is 866-231-3153, but I think it’s much too early to inquire about your case. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 26 Jan 2010 at 11:32 am |
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Bill H.,
I agree that this decision is out of line for the norm. The decision is barely 1 year after last use. The falsification was deliberate and was not corrected in a timely manner. Also not reflected is the level of clearance/access and the type of investigation conducted. If he held a “Q” clearance/access, he would have required a SSBI and had a personal interview conducted. If so, he also falsified any statements to the investigator. A moot point, but his more recent history (4 times from 2004 to 2008) hardly seems to warrant the intensive program he became involved in. Of course, if he is paying for it, the providers will treat him as he wants. Also a moot point is if he got custody of the children with this history, how bad was the ex-spouse? Perhaps the AJ was indulging… Only kidding, but I do not agree with this decision. I do not see mitigation of the falsification or the drug use. |
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| SEY (NM) |
on 26 Jan 2010 at 11:29 am |
|
| I had a appeals hearing for my denied secret clearance as a contractor. My question how long is the average wait time for the Administrative Judge to make a decision after the hearing which in my case closed on Dec 11 2009. Is there any way to speed up the process or someone to contact to make sure it is not lost or misplaced and is still be worked on. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 23 Jan 2010 at 7:13 pm |
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Bill L:
I recently read a February 2009 DOE OHA clearance decision, and I would appreciate your opinion on it. Subject (now about 47 years old) used marijuana regularly from 1981 to 2001, intermittently from 2001 to 2004, infrequently from 2004 to June 2007. He submitted an SF86 to DOE in November 2006 in which he denied any drug involvement in the past 7 years and signed a DOE document that stated he understood that any future drug involvement could affect his clearance eligibility. Subject was granted a DOE security clearance in August 2007. Subject used marijuana twice, 14-15 June 2008, with friends at a music festival. On 21 June 2008 Subject self-reported his drug use to his supervisor and later to the DOE security office. On 30 June 2008 he enrolled in a drug treatment program, which he successfully completed and later enter an after-care program. He also joined a church-based support group for substance abuse. In July 2008 he divorce. The AJ restored Subject’s security clearance. The entire decision is posted at http://www.oha.doe.gov/cases/security/tso0707.pdf. This seems totally inconsistent with other drug involvement decisions I have read. What do you think? |
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| William Henderson (scmauthor@lastpostpublishing.com) |
on 22 Jan 2010 at 11:38 pm |
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Mike:
You are obligated to self-report your arrest and your use of marijuana (if any) to your AF Reserve unit security manager. Do this immediately. Hopefully this whole matter can be properly reviewed, investigated if necessary, and adjudicated before you have to make a decision about reenlistment. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 22 Jan 2010 at 3:04 am |
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Ben:
Check out the article I wrote on "Misuse of IT Systems and Security Clearances" at http://www.clearancejobs.com/cleared-news/89/misuse-of-it-systems-and-security-clearances |
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| Will (San Diego) |
on 21 Jan 2010 at 6:47 pm |
|
I'm undergoing a TS investigation, and I have a few marks that stand out on my record. I am 23 now:
- Marijuana use, 40 times over 2003-2005, and twice in April 2009
- Shrooms, once in 2004, once in 2006
- Driving While Ability Impaired due to alcohol (a traffic violation, a lesser DUI infraction), occured 5 years ago
- Disorderly Conduct, a result of being caught with a fake ID used to enter bars, 3 years ago
Thats pretty much all the bad stuff on my record. Any idea what my chances are? Thanks for your help. |
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| Mike (Wichita Falls, TX) |
on 21 Jan 2010 at 3:13 pm |
|
| I am currently in the AF Reserves and am coming up for reenlistment. I had an incident this past August where I was arrested for two misdemeanors’; drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. My lawyer had the possession charge thrown out. My concern is that I possess a secret clearance and am going to be coming up for my reevaluation in 3 years. I know I really messed up and other then this offense my record is clean since I have been in the military. Should I reenlist and risk losing my clearance and an honorable discharge? I also plan on pursuing a GS position once I graduate with my bachelors next year. This is ultimately my concern relating to this issue. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 21 Jan 2010 at 10:04 am |
|
Ben (PA),
Let me start with the easier issue. Your drug use was isolated to a short period of time 3+ years ago. This should not be a problem. It is commendable that you are trying to help your friend. Most intel/SCI agencies require you to sign a statement attesting to your efforts to refrain from any future association with drug users. The downloading software illegally is a little trickier. Depending on the time frame of this act, intel agencies may not be inclined to take a chance on you. However, the eQIP/SF 86 question (27.c) asks “In the past 7 years have you … used software…?” and I think your answer should be “yes” and explain. Most intel agencies also use a polygraph in the application process and you don’t want to be caught in providing erroneous info on the eQIP/SF 86. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 21 Jan 2010 at 9:55 am |
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David (USA),
I believe the requirement for an SSBI is to go back 10 years. Regardless, the question regarding criminal conduct (Police Record, Question 22) asks “Have you EVER been charged with an offense(s) related to alcohol or drugs?” So you must report your arrests in 1997/98. If these are your only issues, I do not see a problem with you being approved for a public trust position. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 21 Jan 2010 at 9:50 am |
|
Dan (CA),
You need not put anything on your eQIP/SF 86 about a conflict in information between your form 4 years ago and the present submission. Just complete it with accurate information. If you have no other issues than marijuana use 5+ years ago, I do not see a problem in you being granted a TS eligibility. Good luck. |
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| Ben (PA) |
on 12 Jan 2010 at 12:48 pm |
|
This website is very good, thank you for all the advice.
Can I ask a question? I have an offer for an intelligence position requiring TS/SCI. I have two concerns.
I've used marijuana probably 15 times, these were all over a period of about 20 days in August of 2006, when I was 20, and a sophomore in college. I haven't used anything since then, and I rarely see the people I used marijuana with, but I still see two or three of them very occasionally-- maybe once or twice a year when I visit my family.
One of these people is a serious screw up who does hard drugs. I became friends with him when we were 15, and I've seen him recently because I felt like I should try and help him. I gave him the name of a psychiatrist and tried to talk to him. He is still using heroin and cocaine.
Also, I've downloaded software illegally to replace my Windows OS when my PC crashed. Is this likely to pose a serious problem?
I don't know if anyone is still looking at these, but I appreciate any help. |
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| David (USA) |
on 07 Jan 2010 at 11:41 am |
|
| Hello. I am in the process of getting clearance for a position of public trust (single scope background investigation). I have two questions: The SQ 86 form asked about arrests/convictions in the last 7 years, during which time I had none. I assume though, that they will know about any arrests anytime in my past, correct? If so, I was arrested for posession of a small amount of pot twice, in 1997 and 1998. Both of which were cleared from my record after completing court supervision. I have been clean for the past few years. What are my chances? |
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| Dan (CA) |
on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:08 pm |
|
Hello,
Quick background: I've had a secret clearance for about 4 years now. I plan on applying for a TS for a different position in about a year. On my original SF-86 4 years ago, I regretfully neglected to put down that I had tried marijuana a few times a year or so before that (didn't think anything of it...stupid). I definitely plan on putting it on my form this time around, as I've learned a thing or two about integrity since then. My question is, do I just fill out the form and put down the drug use and nothing else? Or should I put a comment in there about how this section would conflict with my previous SF-86 from 4 years ago?
Thanks in advance. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 05 Jan 2010 at 9:39 am |
|
Risky Business (USA),
Ethics violations are one of the most difficult issues to adjudicate. Speaking from many years at a DOD adjudication facility (CAF), normally if you resign or are terminated from employment, the CAF can close your case (remove your clearance eligibility, typically cited in JPAS as “loss of jurisdiction”) as you are no longer affiliated with the Government. If you leave employment and are immediately hired in support of the Government and require a clearance, the adjudication action can continue. Upon completion of your organization’s investigation, they should submit all info to the CAF that services your organization. If you provided a statement during the investigation, that statement should be provided as well. The CAF will weigh all available credible info (documents, statements, legal analysis, etc) and has the option of requesting that you provide appropriate investigative forms and an investigation can be initiated through OPM (or other appropriate investigative agency) to obtain more info. |
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| Risky Business (USA) |
on 31 Dec 2009 at 12:00 pm |
|
Greetings.
How does termination for an ethics violation/perceived misconduct (based only on company's findings) affect ones current Secret/TS clearance?
Would it be better to resign if in the middle of an investigation (before the company's conclusion, whether right or wrong) to save your clearance?
What is the real risk of the adjudication board weighting the company's findings? |
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| mel (Massachusetts) |
on 29 Dec 2009 at 4:36 pm |
|
I am 45 years old and I am graduating this May with my Bachelors in Business Administration. I have just started applying for jobs in the federal government. I would love to work for Homeland Security.
My skeletons: Had an affair with a neighbor & am currently separated from my husband. We will be divorcing (he had an affair as well, and is an alcoholic). Behind on all credit cards because of the marital situation; working with a bankruptcy attorney - one year now. Not going to file bankruptcy yet until I get final approval on loan modification on mortgages. Smoked pot in August of 2008 on a camping trip (had an anxiety attack - daughter going to college; bad marriage), and a couple of times previous to that (less than 5 times in 25 years total). On Wellbutrin (prescribed by primary care doc) to help with quitting smoking, and on Celexa (prescribed by ob/gyn) for PMDD (severe PMS). Not-yet-ex husband has multiple DUI's; leaving the scene of an accident. His girlfriend (a neighbor/past friend/ex-wife of my lover) will surely throw me under the bus in any way that she can during a security interview.
Besides the above, have been consistently employed (almost 10 years at current position - public sector), with exceptional performance appraisals; became a Realtor (#2 Salesperson of the Year); went back to school full-time (GPA of 3.90) and will be getting my degree in May; active community volunteer ("Coats for Kids", etc.), and parent to two teenagers. All of my past employers should give me exceptional recommendations (have left every job on extremely friendly terms).
What are my chances? I want this so much, but am afraid that my current indiscretions might hold me back. Thank you for your help. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:52 am |
|
Bunde (DC),
You raise several questions and I will try to address each. First, I offer congratulations on turning your life around and being a productive and successful person. However, you must be prepared to be interviewed and discuss your period of unfortunate incarceration.
Most Federal forms are specific in their questions regarding employment, residence and involvement in criminal conduct/drugs, whether the form involves employment application, security clearance, or public trust/IT position. The forms typically ask “Have you ever” or “In the past X years, have you” been arrested/charged for a felony, or any crime involving drugs/alcohol or defaulted on any financial obligation. I urge everyone to complete forms honestly.
You may not have to provide this info up front, but you will for investigative purposes. In my opinion, agencies such as the FBI, DHS, DEA and possibly State (due to your overseas conviction) may not accept you for employment, let alone clearance/access.
Due to the Bond Amendment (Public Law 110-81), you will not be eligible for a clearance/access involving a Special Access Program, Restricted Data access or access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. My opinion also is that your chance of getting a DOD Secret or TS clearance eligibility is medium, but you will be questioned about your arrest, conviction, etc. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:33 am |
|
Deryck D. (NJ),
The type of discharge you listed and the period of time since your drug use (assuming you have no other issues) should not preclude you from being granted a TS clearance eligibility/ITL 1 access. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:30 am |
|
Human (USA),
You were not specific in describing your “experimentation” and that holds the key to your answer. I have seen cases where an individual claims they “experimented” with marijuana 200-300 times over a 10-year period. That is not the definition of “experimented”. If we agree on and use Mr. Henderson’s definition in the above article (6 times or less), then I don’t see a problem with you being granted a clearance eligibility. I stress that you be honest in completing your forms and during interviews with investigators. Good luck. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 26 Dec 2009 at 12:49 am |
|
Jason:
No. But that doesn't preclude employers (federal and private) from requiring drug test for employment suitability purposes. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 26 Dec 2009 at 12:45 am |
|
Deryck D:
The adjudicative criteria for secret and top secret clearances are exactly the same; only the investigations are different. If a person is eligible for a secret clearance, he/she is also eligible for a top secret clearance, provided the more comprehensive investigation does not develop any additional unfavorable information.
The adjudicative criteria for Public Trust positions can vary from position to position and from agency to agency. But as a general rule the same principles apply to the adjudication of Public Trust positions within the same career field as they do for security clearances. DoD uses the terms IT-1, IT-2, and IT-3 (also known as ADP-1, ADP-2, and ADP-3). I have never heard of ITL1 and ITL2, but I believe they are the same as IT-1 and IT-2. These are all Public Trust positions. It appears that your new position will be a combination Public Trust and National Security position with an overall sensitivity level of “Critical Sensitive,” even though you will only require access to Secret information. All critical sensitive positions require a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). Absent any new potentially disqualifying information, you should have no problem getting the higher level clearance. |
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| Bunde (DC) |
on 24 Dec 2009 at 11:36 pm |
|
11 years ago I completed 16 months of jail time in a European country for trying to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine. I knew what I was doing but it was a very bad time for me as I was thinking suicide and as result reckless. Prior to that, I tried cocaine one time and marijuana a few times but that's about it. I used to look upon it with a lot of shame and unease (less so now but still) for (1) I was really really stupid, (2) my judgment wasn't very good and (3) if you look at it certain way I indirectly was going to help out killers and terrorists. With respect to #3, I also felt like I was one of those depressed people going to a crowded place and shooting, and in my case, I was shooting my family (who had a very very hard time from what I did) and others who may have bee impacted. I was tried in court and found guilty but was given a relatively short stay in prison even though I had a whole lot of drugs because I cooperated and my testimony helped them to lead to an arrest of someone.
I also had to default on student loan because I was not able to take care of it while I was in prison.
Immediate problem after release was that I was afraid of background search when looking for a job. I was even more afraid of looking for a job in the government, so I ended up in private sector.
Now, 11 years later, I am considering getting a job in federal government. FBI web site says that past felony conviction definitely disqualifies me (not that I am passionate about FBI). And, I assume other Homeland Security agencies also will. I suppose I can still apply at other agencies, such as DoD.
My first actual question on this web site is this: For jobs requiring security clearance, do I tell the hiring managers and HR in the interview process about my past felony conviction (and student default)? If I am the hiring manager and if I selected a person to fill a position, I would hate to find out later that he won't be able to work for me, because he couldn't get the clearance. In other words, do I just interview normally, but don't discuss past convictions unless with the HR person or the people who will do the background investigation? I am thinking I should tell upfront. But am I being impractical?
My second question is, reading my past history, is the probability for getting security clearance low, medium, high???? I had no problems with law after getting out of prison, have stable job history, paid up my student loans, have a family, and is actually a patriotic guy.
Thank you in advance for any comments. |
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| Deryck D (Southampton New Jersey) |
on 21 Dec 2009 at 7:17 pm |
|
I currently have a secret clearance/ITL2. My company wants me to go for a TS/SSBI investigation. (Secret ITL1, position requirement).
Does my general discharge under honorable conditions from the U.S. army for Cocaine use, (1 time) disqualify me for a higher clearance? even for a SSBI investigation? all which happened 20 years ago?
Any help would appreciated.
Thanks |
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| human (usa) |
on 17 Dec 2009 at 8:13 pm |
|
| Please help me...I currently work for a non government agency and they want me to get a security clearance, I have experimented with marijuana within the past months will I be able to get a clearance at all or am I out of luck? Please, please. please someone respond i don't know anything about these things? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 17 Dec 2009 at 2:41 pm |
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Mandi:
An interim security clearance is based on the completion of minimum investigative requirements. It is granted on a temporary basis, pending the completion of the full investigative requirements. Interim clearances are “declined” for the same reasons that final clearances are "denied"—the existance of unmitigated disqualifying condition(s). These reasons are enumerated in the “Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information.” For SCI/SAP there are some additional “foreign influence” criteria at ICPG 704.1. People, whose interim clearances are declined, are often granted a final clearance. This is because adjudicators are frequently unable to properly evaluate the disqualifying conditions, mitigating conditions, and “whole person” considerations without a fully completed investigation.
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the peson is an acceptable security risk.” So, it is possible that an interim clearance could be declined and a final clearance denied, if an applicant recently lived outside the United States for a substantial period of time where it is not possible to conduct an investigation. This probably very, very rarely happens. I’ve interviewed a lot of young people who recently returned from a one- or two-year religious mission in a foreign country and none of them were ever denied a clearance (TS/SCI) because of the major time gap in their background investigation. Any illegal drug use can result in the declination of an interim clearance—the decision depends on the adjudicative agency’s willingness to accept uncorroborated mitigating conditions and the persuasiveness of the mitigation listed on a clearance application form.
It’s possible to be granted a final TS/SCI clearance in 5 months, but not very likely if any overseas investigative work must be done. Whether or not investigative work outside the U.S. will be done in your case depends on where you were, why you were there, and how long you were there. |
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| jason (md) |
on 17 Dec 2009 at 1:58 pm |
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Bill,
Can the security clearance process itself mandate a drug test? or do they simply check on past facts. if so, would they be required to give you notice? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 17 Dec 2009 at 10:00 am |
|
Mandi (USA),
Your “quick questions” are difficult to answer as there are many unknown variables. For instance, interim clearance procedures are different based on your employment status. For DoD contractors, the eQIP/SF 86 is submitted to DISCO (the adjudication facility for contractors) where it is reviewed and the interim determination is made. DISCO is generally more conservative in interim decisions as they do not have ready access, nor a procedure in place, to gather additional info for issues listed on the eQIP/SF 86. For military and federal civilian personnel, the eQIP/SF 86 is submitted to the employing agency security manager who makes the interim determination and has the ability to ask you for clarification/information and then submits the packet to OPM. An interim clearance could be denied if you had recent/frequent travel to countries with questionable relationships with the US (Iran, N. Korea, etc) but travel to Canada, Mexico, or England would not be a problem. Personally, I do not think your isolated marijuana use would cause an interim denial. An interim clearance is granted at the convenience of the government to facilitate mission accomplishment. Denial of an interim clearance can not be appealed as it is an interim decision and not subject to the due process provisions of the regulation. It is possible to have an interim denied and a final clearance be granted within 5 months.
Under the Intel Reform Act of 2004, there is a requirement (guideline) that 90% of all applications for clearances be completed in 60 days – 40 days for investigation and 20 days for adjudication. In Sep 2009, DoD reported to Congress that all DoD agencies were in compliance with this requirement. However, you could be one of the 10% that are not completed in 60 days. Hope this helps. Good luck |
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| curious (usa) |
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:08 pm |
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| If I currently work for a non government agency and they want me to get an sf86 clearance and i may have used an illegal substance recently will i be denied for the clearance? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Dec 2009 at 9:18 am |
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Jimmy (Detroit),
If you listed your ticket as speeding vs. something more serious like reckless driving, your interim will probably be approved. Good luck. |
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| Mandi (USA) |
on 15 Dec 2009 at 1:12 am |
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| Hello, I have a few quick questions concerning interim clearances and full clearances. First, what is the specific difference between the two? Second, under what circumstances can an interim be denied, and what does that entail? Specifically, can an interim be denied for extensive foreign travel that includes living overseas? Or for a one time marijuana experimentation from 3 years ago? I am applying to a program that requires TS w/ CI poly and employment is contingent upon receiving at least an interim clearance five months after acceptance to the program. Could my interim be denied due to the aforementioned circumstances, and if so, is it possible to receive a full clearance w/in 5 months if an interim is denied? Thank you for your help! |
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| Jimmy (Detroit) |
on 11 Dec 2009 at 6:30 pm |
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I have a question about getting an interim clearance that is not related to drug use. In the Spring of 2007 I got a speeding ticket for 400 bucks, going 25 over. I paid the ticket, case closed. I'm a new grad and have no other issues at all. Will this result in a denial of my interim? Oh and it's a secret clearance
Thanks |
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| Josh (Virginia) |
on 10 Dec 2009 at 8:29 pm |
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| I am trying to obtain a security clearance for NAVAIR. I am a new college graduate and have not done any drugs for 2 years and month or two. I did cocaine like 4 times and prescription drugs under 10 times over about the same two year period. Now back in june of 03 i smoked pot twice. I was wondering two things. Firstly do you think I will be denied? Secondly I am wondering what my chances of getting a polygraph are? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 08 Dec 2009 at 8:39 pm |
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John:
The proposed new SF86 asks if you were ever convicted of a crime for which you were sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. I recommend you check your court records. Many people convicted of felonies receive a sentence of more than one year but the sentence is often suspended on condition that the person submit to probation, obey all laws, serve a little time in county jail, pay a fine, perform community service, etc. for or within a prescribed period of time.
Having the arrest/charge/conviction expunged has no effect on the requirement to list the matter on an SF86. You also need to consider the forms the US Army will have you fill out. The criminal conduct questions on those forms are probably worded more broadly than on the proposed SF86.
There is no guarantee the proposed SF86 will be approved as written. Even if it is, implementation may not occur for a number of months after it is approved and then it may be implemented gradually—one agency at a time—over a period of several months. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 08 Dec 2009 at 9:56 am |
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Jay (DC),
Your situation is tough to call. Your use goes well beyond “experimentation” but clearly not substantial or compulsive. You will undoubtedly be interviewed by an investigator - be honest in your response to questions. Most military adjudication facilities use a minimum of one year since last use to help establish an intent to refrain from involvement. Other federal agencies may use a different standard and I am not familiar with their workings. You will probably not get an interim clearance, but I think in the long run you will get a final clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 08 Dec 2009 at 9:48 am |
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Fred (Austin, TX),
Assuming your are a DoD contractor, a statement of intent to avoid drug involvement will not work for an interim, only a final clearance eligibility. Info you list on your SF 86/eQIP is reviewed by the Security Officer or someone designated to review it for completeness. Any info on the form is forbidden to be discussed with anyone else in the organization. If you discuss with your supervisor/human resources/etc, you are opening yourself to a withdrawal of the employment offer. Believe me, many, many people work for the government in all capacities who have used drugs at some time in their lives. The use you have described should not, repeat should not, preclude you from getting a final clearance. Please note – even though you used drugs in a location where they were “legal”, as a U.S. citizen (especially one holding a clearance), such use is still considered use of an illegal substance under the adjudicative guidelines. I strongly urge that anyone who works for the government in any capacity refrain from ANY drug involvement. This is but one method that foreign intelligence agents can get a hook in someone. Good luck. |
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| John (illinios) |
on 08 Dec 2009 at 12:27 am |
|
I was arrested with possesion with intent to deliver, over 7 years ago and pleaded gulity to 22 grams.
[ In october 2010, I will get my records expunged local, state, and FBI]
With the new SF-86 coming out in early 2010 that only asks in the last seven years, should I wait until early 2011, after my record is expunged to join Active- Army OCS or would it be alirght to go ahead in join May 2010, while my fingerprints are still in FBI database?
Will waiting make much of a difference? |
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| Joseph (Phoenix) |
on 05 Dec 2009 at 10:53 pm |
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Ok, I want to become an intern for intel analysis at the CIA. The applications says no illegal drug use in the past year and anything prior will be considered in further inquiry.
I understand this job would require secret or ts clearance, and I have a basic grasp of what the guidelines are based on the other posts.
My problem is this is not a "I only took one hit of marijuana in the past 2 years/I smoked cannabis 5-10 times in the past two years" I smoked a great deal of marijuana for the last two years of high school and the first two of college. I have cut down a great deal and only smoke socially on occasion. Still during those four years I purchased marijuana and smoked quite often. It never affected my ability to hold down a job, I got excellent grades, graduated with honors, and will be enrolled in a PHD program next fall.
Also, I do not drink alcohol, I hate the stuff. Marijuana was kind of a substitute in social situations. I have never, ever used any other drug, nor do I intend to.
So I would like to apply for a summer internship in 2011. I have taken four years of farsi in college, completed a study abroad program in the Critical Languages Institute and generally have a vital skill set in Islamic Studies. I have no other financial, legal, or personal complications, and I have been charged with anything relating to marijuana or anything else for that matter. Obviously I plan to heed the CIA warning and will abstain completely from marijuana for an entire year prior to applying.
What are my chances for obtaining secret or ts clearance? Should I not outright lie, but perhaps mitigate my youthful indiscretions in the last 6 years? Will the fact that I have not used any other drug, including alcohol at all in the past 6 years help at all with the fact that I used marijuana regularly for four? Thanks for all your help with this forum, it has been extremely useful. |
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| Jay (DC) |
on 05 Dec 2009 at 1:19 pm |
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| My current job recently submitted me for a Secret Clearance and I have a couple of worries. During the course of college i smoked marijuana no more than 30 times, with one period junior year where i smoked 20 times in a semester. Additionally, at the end of my junior year I unfortunately tried cocaine once. The last time I smoked was in May of 2009. Before that I had not smoked more than two times in the previous year. Recently out of college, I was hoping to get at least another 6-8 months to prove that I do not intend to ever use illegal drugs again. At no point has the consumption of any alcohol or drugs affected any part of my life, and I currently have near perfect credit. Will the above disqualify me for a security clearance and should i discuss this with my employer? I cannot stress enough how since May i have not used anything and how i do not plan to ever again. |
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| Fred (Austin, TX) |
on 04 Dec 2009 at 12:24 am |
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Bill,
Thanks so much for the input. Just a couple of follow-up questions. First, do you think a statement of intent never to participate or be around such substances would change the likelihood of getting an interim or only for the final clearance? Also, do you think before I fill out the eQIP that I should discuss it with the person in the Dept of the DoD for whom I would be working since the job is entirely dependent on having a Clearance or is do people commonly apply with similar circumstances? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 03 Dec 2009 at 2:51 pm |
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Fred (Austin, TX),
First and foremost, I urge everyone to be honest in completing all employment and security forms. If you are applying for a DoD contractor position/clearance, you will be denied an interim. DISCO will not inform the company of the specific reasons, but the Security Officer will know as he will review your eQIP before it is submitted. If you are applying for a DoD civilian position/clearance, the command Security Manager makes that decision and my experience tells me they will deny the interim. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 03 Dec 2009 at 2:46 pm |
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Old Guy (FL),
Don't be silly - I guarentee that I am older than you. I don't think your prior instances of marijuana use or failure to list your use on forms will be a great hinderance to you getting TS/SCI. Time forgives most mistakes and yours are very minor. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 03 Dec 2009 at 2:42 pm |
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KCB,
The simple answer is no. For DoD contractor personnel, the eQIP goes to DISCO and if there are any "yes" answers requiring investigation to resolve, the interim is denied and there is no appeal or other actions that can be taken. Until contractor Facility Security Officers are allowed to grant interim access, this will be the way. Sorry. |
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| Fred (Austin, TX) |
on 02 Dec 2009 at 5:51 pm |
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| I have been offered a job at the DoD which requires a Secret Clearance. My job is dependent on me getting a interim-clearance and a full clearance shortly thereafter. I smoked a bit back in 2007 and 2006. No more than about 5 times I'd say. I did smoke a bit during some traveling overseas where drugs are not illegal. I have never done anything other than marijuana. Should I suspect to be denied an interim-clearance? As well, will they inform the office of which I am applying why or will it just be a simple deny? I'm debating whether I should come clean with them upfront about it or just wait and see what the Clearance Dept. determines? Thanks so much. |
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| old guy (FL) |
on 01 Dec 2009 at 7:27 pm |
|
Bill,
Started the process for joining the military in 1991, and have been active duty since 1994, first clearance application in 1993. I was not completely honest when joining as I tried pot once in (1987) and once in (1990) and didn't answer the questions honestly. I got some bad advice about what constituted drug use. I have held a secret clearance in the military since 1994 and have been selected for a position that requires TS/SCI. Obviously the SCI has some "Have you ever" questions. I plan on answering honestly and I'm pretty frustrated I didn't do it to begin with 1991. I have maintained a secret clearance since 1994, have outstanding credit, been married for 12 years. What are my chances of getting a TS/SCI clearance. Thanks for the help. |
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| KCB (Colorado) |
on 30 Nov 2009 at 5:23 pm |
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| Thank you for the information. That job was withdrawn due to the denial of the interim and the problem that I am now faced with is that all jobs I am seeking seem to require the interim clearance. If I am always going to be denied the interim (even though it i s now more than a year since the last incident), I will never get the chance to explain about the infrequency of the drug use and the intention to never use them again. Is there a way to get to the adjudicator before the interim is automatically denied because I said 'yes' to the question regardless of circumstances? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 30 Nov 2009 at 2:15 pm |
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KCB (Colorado),
You were denied an interim because you answered “yes” to the question regarding drug use, regardless of the amount or your explanation. The adjudication facility for contractor personnel, DISCO, denies interim clearances when an applicant answers “yes” to questions in the eQIP indicating that further investigation is needed to resolve the information listed. In your case, you will undergo a personal interview to explain your drug use and to emphasize that you do not intend to use illegal substances in the future. Unless your employing company terminated your employment or withdrew their offer of employment, your investigation should be on-going and a final clearance eligibility determination will be made by DISCO. If your company terminated you or withdrew the offer, you will need to find new employment with a federal contractor before you can re-submit your clearance application. Based on your minimal drug use, my opinion is that you will probably be granted a clearance when the case gets to an adjudicator. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 30 Nov 2009 at 2:07 pm |
|
Brittany P. (NC),
First, my congratulations on your serious consideration of the military services as a career choice. The military can be a great opportunity for many people if you are willing to learn, be disciplined, and be flexible in the duties you will be required to do. Next, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that you will be required to list this offense on your enlistment and security forms. The enlistment processing form (DD Fm 1966) asks “Have you ever tried, used…cannabis..?” and the security form (SF 86/eQIP) is specific in questions regarding drug use and criminal conduct. The drug question asks “in the past 7 years, have you used any controlled substance…THC…?” The police record question asks “Have you ever been charged with any offense related to …drugs?” These questions must be answered honestly, regardless of the judicial outcome of your case (dismissed, nol pros) or whether the case was expunged. The good news is that you can not enlist until you are 18 (17 with parental permission) so you have time to show what kind of person you are going to be. If your drug involvement was minimal, you will not be rejected for military service and you should not have a problem getting a security clearance. Also, be completely honest when completing your forms and do not take advice from anyone telling you NOT to list the info. Best of luck. |
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| KCB (Colorado) |
on 30 Nov 2009 at 11:00 am |
|
I applied for a government contract job in May of 2009 and was denied an interim TS clearance. On my SF86 form, I admitted to experimenting with marijuana three times and cocaine once between March of 2007 through December of 2008. I believe I was denied because I was not specific enough about the fact that the cocaine was only once in November of 2007 and the marijuana use was only three particular dates during this period. These four times were the only times I used illegal drugs and they were all in social situations. My question is would I be allowed to
apply again now that it has been almost a year since last usage and be more specific about these circumstances or am I
simply out of luck? |
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| Brittany P. (NC ) |
on 29 Nov 2009 at 8:34 pm |
|
Hello all!
Ive had a run in with the law about a month ago. I got a marijuana citation for less then one oz. Anyway I have an attorney and my goal is to get it dissmised or drug classes. Im 16 years old and it was for experimental use only. I do not plan to use again and have not tried other drugs
My dream is to be in the military and I would like to have a job that needs clearance. Im unsure if I will be affected or even allowed into the military with this under my belt. Is there a way to get it cleared off my record?
Thanks! |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 27 Nov 2009 at 2:21 pm |
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OCStobe (Chicago),
The investigation for a Secret clearance eligibility include your completion of an investigative form (SF 86/eQIP), which will allow OPM to conduct a National Agency Check (including FBI), state/county police checks where you have lived/worked/attended college, a credit check and a personal interview for any info you provided on the form regarding drug/alcohol abuse, criminal conduct, or any discrepancies between what you entered on the form and what the checks uncover. References are almost never interviewed during the investigation for a Secret clearance. I encourage you to be honest in your answers on the form. Good luck. |
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| Jack ILCS 550/10 (IL) |
on 26 Nov 2009 at 11:19 pm |
|
Mr. Henderson:
I was arrested with possesion with intent to deliver, over 7 years ago and pleaded gulity to 22 grams.
[ In october 2010, I will get my records expunged local, state, and FBI]
With the new SF-86 coming out in early 2010 that only asks in the last seven years, should I wait until early 2011, after my record is expunged to join Active- Army OCS or would it be alirght to go ahead in join May 2010, while my fingerprints are still in FBI database?
Will waiting make much of a difference? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 25 Nov 2009 at 9:32 pm |
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OC Stobe:
There are two types of investigations for initial security clearances for military personnel—the NACLC for Confidential and Secret clearances and the SSBI for Top Secret clearances. Both the NACLC and the SSBI have standard components (scoping) and standard periods of coverage. However, when a case contains potentially disqualifying conditions, the investigation is usually expanded beyond the standard scoping (and sometimes beyond the standard period of coverage). In some cases a NACLC with significant unfavorable information can be expanded to the point that its scope and coverage can exceed that of a standard SSBI. Likewise an SSBI containing significant unfavorable information can be expanded well beyond its standard scope and coverage.
Security clearance investigators are not authorized to investigate your friends or associates. Your clearance eligibility will not be affected by the conduct of your friends or associates, except when it appears that you are susceptible to being influence by your friends or associates to do something illegal or contrary to the national security interest of the United States. |
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| OCStobe (Chicago) |
on 22 Nov 2009 at 7:05 pm |
|
I am applying to the Navy OCS, a part of which includes filling out the SF-86 for secret clearance. I've used marijuana in the past, and plan to be completely honest about it on the form. I fear that this is going to cause my file to be investigated more than it would if I hadn't, but there is little I can do to change that.
My question is how extensive the background search is for "secret" clearance. Will the references I give for my last 3 years of residence be interviewed? Will they themselves be looked into as well? I ask because I went to a small liberal arts college where drugs seemed to be the norm (my little pot smoking seems so insignificant to all the other stuff, but I guess not). While I would call some of the references friends, they do have questionable backgrounds and I don't want the causing even more problems than my own background will. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 19 Nov 2009 at 11:38 am |
|
Rob (DC area),
Military adjudication facilities will be looking at a minimum of 6-12 months from last use, but will also consider factors such as your age and maturity at the time of use. Intelligence community activities are usually more stringent. Although your “hobby” may be perfectly legal, use of an illegal substance is not. You being around those who use on a routine basis falls into the adjudicative guideline of Personal Conduct and the specific condition that may be disqualifying is “association with persons involved in criminal activity”. In my opinion, you are grasping at straws. Unless you have skills that an agency needs/wants badly, your chances are poor to be granted clearance/access eligibility. |
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| DJ (Hampton Virginia) |
on 17 Nov 2009 at 3:32 pm |
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| At the moment, I am still in the Air Force. I was told that I am still in because of the pending situation w my clearance. I do not understand why it is like that. I even have a job opportunity waiting in Fort Bragg, NC. They know my situation, but they are asking if I can find out what's going on w my clearance. I have not received a SOR but do plan to make a response if I get one. At the moment, I dont plan on moving to another military service, rather I would want to get a contracting job. I am supposed to be getting a under honorable conditions- general discharge, not other than honorable. Thank you for your time. |
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| Rob (DC Area) |
on 17 Nov 2009 at 12:27 pm |
|
| Thanks for the quick and candid response. Is there an amount of time that could go by that might sway this decision? Also, if I had to put a more exact figure, it would be 6 times in last 15 years. Although I can't claim youthful indiscretion, I can certainly attempt to provide mitigating details that may sway adjudicator. Because of a hobby i'm involved in (perfectly legal), I'm around individuals that smoke at least once a week and I never use because of disinterest. The times I have were at large rare celebratory events, and I feel that by my behaviour week in and week out proves that I am fully in control of being able to not use in the future. I think that this makes me provably LESS likely to be become addicted to anything than someone who may pass on this issue, but might use and get hooked after the passing. Am I grasping at straws here? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 17 Nov 2009 at 7:48 am |
|
Rob (DC area),
My opinion is - out of the question. You are implying that you are approximately 35-40 years old and last used 4 months ago. This is hardly youthful experimentation and I believe adjudicators would recommend that you be denied any clearance/access eligibility. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 12 Nov 2009 at 8:40 pm |
|
DJ:
As a practical matter I think that you will be discharged and your clearance status will change to "Loss of Jurisdication" before there is any decision to continue or revoke your security clearance.
If you have already received an SOR, submit a rebuttal. If you don't submit a rebuttal, your clearance will be revoked and you will be ineligible to apply for a clearance for one year. If you submit a rebuttal, your discharge will probably occur before your case is adjudicated and your status will change to "Loss of Jurisdication" rather than "revoked."
With an incident report on file, your prior military clearance will not be eligible for automatic reinstatement or for reciprocal acceptance at another agency. At a minimum the incident report will have to be adjudicated and in all likelihood some type of investigation will have to be completed before you can be considered for a new clearance. It's going to be very hard to find a government agency or a federal contractor willing to sponsor you for a clearance. You used an illegal drug while in the military (a drug free environment); you did it while holding a security clearance; and you did it only 3 months ago. Actually getting a clearance this soon after receiving an UOTHC discharge for drug use will be even harder. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 12 Nov 2009 at 9:51 am |
|
DJ (Hampton, VA),
There are several issues here that you need to be aware of. First, if you are discharged vs separated and transferred to the Reserves, you are no longer “affiliated” with the government. Your case will be closed as such. However, if you are transferred to or join the Reserves/National Guard, you remain “affiliated” and retain the “right” of due process to respond to the Statement of Reasons (SOR) and appeal if/when your TS/SCI are revoked. Generally, military adjudication facilities will deny/revoke clearance/access eligibility when illegal drug use is within the past year. My experience also tells me that most IC agencies will deny eligibility based on use after signing the Drug Waiver in which you expressed your intent to never use illegal substances in the future. My opinion is that you are SOL for the time being. However, if you remain in any military service (Reserves/National Guard), you will also face reclassification due to the loss of TS/SCI. I suggest you respond to the SOR and appeal to document your remorse and the circumstances that lead you to the drug use. Good luck. |
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| Rob (D.C. Area) |
on 11 Nov 2009 at 10:59 am |
|
TS with Full Scope Poly
Specific to drug use, I was a regular Marijuana user in college 18 years ago, and have since only occasionally used it. I would guesstimate less than 10 times in last 10 years, with most recent being about 4 months ago. Is TS with Full Scopy Poly out of the question? |
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| A.S. (USA) |
on 10 Nov 2009 at 10:23 pm |
|
I am applying to a special academic program with DIA that requires TS-SCI. By the time of my employment next July '10, it will have been over 3 years since the only time I ever experimented with marijuana. I understand that under normal circumstances, this one time college age experimentation would probably not disqualify me. However, I am concerned that DIA may recommend stricter policies concerning clearances as this is a selective academic program. Is DIA known for instituting stricter standards for certain jobs than those standards that are published?
Thank you for your help Mr. Henderson! |
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| DJ (hampton) |
on 10 Nov 2009 at 3:26 pm |
|
1st Question: Should I still apply for Intelligence jobs right out of my discharge? or is it a waste of time?
2nd Question: Should i still make a response to my SOR and request an appeal? or am I SOL... I really dont want to waste money for something I lost at the starting line. |
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| DJ (Hampton Virginia) |
on 10 Nov 2009 at 3:13 pm |
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| I have TS/SCI clearance. I currently being in the process of being discharged general- under honorable conditions. This is being I have smoked marijuana in august. a one time offense w no previous history. I have been going thru alot w my wife, which she played a bad influence of stress on me. With these factors included: disassociation from drug-using associates, changing or avoiding the environment where drugs were used, and a signed “statement of intent” not to illegally use drugs in the future and agreeing to an automatic revocation of clearance for any violation. Will I still have a chance to fight to retain my clearance? I have spoke w an attorney. He said it is possible. But maybe he is trying to get my money? My life is at its lowest and my entire career has been based off of my clearance in Intelligence. Thank you for your time. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 10 Nov 2009 at 8:47 am |
|
Jack (Alexandria, VA),
Yes, this is experimental use of an illegal substance. Whether he knew before or after the consumption, he knows now and should list this on the SF 86. |
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| Jack (Alexandria, VA) |
on 08 Nov 2009 at 1:36 pm |
|
| A friend of mine is applying for a job with the government and filling out his SF-86. He is 22 years old and has no previous drug use. He did however take one bite out of a marijuana brownie about 4 months ago. He did not experience any highs. Is this considered to be "experimenting" with drugs? |
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| anon |
on 07 Nov 2009 at 8:40 am |
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| I'm curious how this discussion of security clearances compares to employment suitability decisions by DOJ. Do you have a sense how DOJ views past occasional marijuana use? What if that past use occurred within a year of applying? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 05 Nov 2009 at 11:13 am |
|
Darby (CO),
Honesty is always the best policy. When you complete the form, list the date of last use and in the remarks section indicate the date is not exact, but is to the best of your recollection or estimation. If you are interviewed by an investigator, you can further expand on the explanation. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 05 Nov 2009 at 11:04 am |
|
Christian,
In my opinion, you should not be denied a TS eligibility. Additionally, there should be no restriction for you to apply and be considered for government or contractor positions upon completion of your military service. |
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| Robert (Illinois) |
on 05 Nov 2009 at 9:01 am |
|
Hi,
Between 1999 and 2006 I smoked marijuana countless times and would not even know how to count. How should I account for that on my SF 86? Should I try to approimate the number of times I used marijuana or should I just say I was a frequent user. I also took Ecstacy 3 times in that period.
I have never had any problems with work or addiction becuase of these substances, but it does tarnish my otherwise clean backgound. I do realize that this shows a huge lack of judgement on my part and a disregard for the law.
What do you think my chances are of being granted a TS with a record like this?
Thanks,
Robert |
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| Ann Arbor (MI) |
on 04 Nov 2009 at 9:50 am |
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bill,
great page, it is incredibly helpful. i am graduating in august and planning on finding a job, and most of my potential careers require security clearance. now over the last couple years i have used pot maybe 2-3 times a month, but it has alot to do with the laws in ann arbor, where i studied. pot has, in effect, been decriminalized in the city. the law states the an individual may carry up to an ounce of pot for personal use and only receive a $25 civil infraction if caught. ive been issued parking tickets that are more severe than $25, and never ran into any legal trouble surrounding marijuana. can the leniency of these laws help to mitigate my drug use in the clearance process? especially when i will be moving away from the city upon graduation?
thanks! |
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| Darby (CO) |
on 03 Nov 2009 at 5:08 pm |
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| I've recently accepted an offer as a consultant working in conjunction with a federal agency (non-DoD, NSA level). I was given an SF85-P to fill out and I honestly can't recall if I have used mj in the last year or not. It was an isolated incident where no money was exchanged. It was a small social gathering and I don't even know the name of the individual who supplied. It has been well over 6 months for sure, but neither acquaintance I was with can recall when it took place and have said "not this year." I want to be honest, but I am afraid that this one time use will hurt me even if I have no intention of trying it again as I have terrible reactions to smoke. I had tried 3 other times more than two years ago over the course of one month with one individual who I am no longer in contact with. And again, I never went out of my way to purchase anything or try again. What do I do in this case? |
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| cristian (winter haven, Florida) |
on 02 Nov 2009 at 6:31 pm |
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| yes this was a one-time issue and I totally learned my lesson. I just want to serve the country. I'm a totally honest guy I told the cops everything. I regret it. So this doesn't disqualify me from getting a ts-3 clearance. By the way because of all this is it true i can't do government jobs after my military time because of this event? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 02 Nov 2009 at 11:15 am |
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cristian (winter haven, FL)
First, I urge you to be honest when completing your clearance application (eQIP/SF 86). The questions regarding illegal drug involvement include misuse of prescription drugs. And the questions regarding criminal conduct ask have you “EVER” been charged with any offense relating to drugs. Your arrest will most certainly show up on the FBI and/or local agency checks. If this is truly a one-time misuse and distribution of a prescription drug, the primary factors in your case will be the passage of time since the events and your statement/commitment to never use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs in the future. My opinion is that this should not stop you from being granted a clearance eligibility. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Nov 2009 at 7:53 pm |
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Seven,
I can not guess what other federal agencies will do, but if you are being offered a job as a DoD contractor, your interim will probably be denied based on answers on your eQIP/SF 86. DISCO (the adjudication facility for DoD contractors) generally denies interim clearances when there are "yes" answers pertaining to drug use, criminal conduct or financial issues, regardless of the time frame in which these events occurred. Sorry, but that is just the way it goes. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Nov 2009 at 7:47 pm |
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Rob (USA)
My opinion is that you should not be denied TS/SCI or an intel speciality. It will be 2+ years since your last drug use by the time your investigation is completed and received at the AF adjudications facility. Continue to be honest with the investigators when you are interviewed. Good Luck. |
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| cristian (winter haven, FL) |
on 01 Nov 2009 at 1:41 pm |
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| Ok Bill i got a question. I'm in JROTC last year i had straight A's but this year i got caught up in the wrong crowd. I did Xanax which is a prescription pill that wasnt mine. I only did it once but the next time i bought it and my friend went up and pressured me to give him some in class i did and the teacher saw me give it to him and i got arrested. But I won't be convicted of the felony can i still get a security clearance because I really want to join the Army. |
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| Seven |
on 28 Oct 2009 at 11:06 am |
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| I've recently been offered a job that will be contingent on my obtaining an interim clearance. I have yet to submit the e-QIP, but I intend to disclose all past drug involvement. I'm worried because of the choices I made starting around the end of high school through the first semester of my sophomore year of college, about three years ago. During that period I smoked marijuana about 50 times, less than once a week in school and sometimes more on breaks. I also tried opium four times in that same time span. In my sophomore year I realized what I was doing and I stopped. Since then I have gradually lost contact with most of the people I did this with. While I always did these things in social settings, on some occasions I made my own purchases. I'm getting very anxious about obtaining the interim clearance and I would really appreciate the thoughts of someone who's familiar with the process. |
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| Rob (USA) |
on 28 Oct 2009 at 8:49 am |
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Hi Bill. Young pup getting ready to go to MEPS for AF. I just graduated and have been totally honest with my recruiter. I have smoked pot a total of ten times (I counted very specifically) in my life all in 2007 and once in Feb. 2008. That is the last time I touched the stuff. In 2007 I was suspended from high school (not expelled) for having a marijuana pipe in my locker. I was not charged with anything, simply suspended for ten days. I am not the same immature person I used to be and again have not touched it since Feb. 2008.
I am looking to get into AF Intel and want your opinion on if this will hinder my chances. I no longer hang out with the group I used too. They are going no where in life & I want too. Opinions please on if this will kill my security check. I have been totally upfront with my recruiter & will be honest with the security rep at MEPS as well. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 27 Oct 2009 at 10:13 am |
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bf626g (US)
Since you were not specific in the frequency of marijuana use, there are 2 possibilities. First, if your use was experimental/occasional use, you might be okay. By the time your case gets to the adjudicator, it will probably be over a year since your last use. However, more extensive use will be a problem. For many Army MOS recruitment actions, the MEPS station has a Security Interviewer, who interviews you after you take your aptitude tests and delves deeper into your background than the questions on the eQIP. This “pre-employment” interview can be used to disqualify you from an MOS requiring a TS or SCI eligibility. The Security Interviewers have separate guidelines that they can use and if in doubt, they can call the Army Adjudication Facility (CCF) to get a determination. This determination can not be appealed since it is “pre-employment” (prior to signing a contract). You should be honest in completing all enlistment forms and in conversations with your recruiter and the Security Interviewer. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 27 Oct 2009 at 9:53 am |
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OHIODoc (Ohio)
My opinion is that you will be granted a clearance eligibility. But, here are the bumps in the road. Your marijuana use, although it will be over a year old when the case gets to adjudication, does reflect poor judgment as your use was into your mid-30’s (hardly youthful experimentation). Your use falls into the “occasional use” definition above and MOST adjudicative facilities use 1 year passage of time to mitigate this use. Your bankruptcy alone will not be disqualifying, as long as your current financial status is favorable. You will certainly be interviewed about both issues and will be afforded an opportunity to state your intentions to never use illegal substances again. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 27 Oct 2009 at 9:43 am |
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KC (st. louis, mo)
You raise several questions and I will try to address them in order. Interim clearance eligibility determinations for contractors are made by DISCO. Generally, the determination is based on the information provided on your eQIP/SF 86. If you admitted recent marijuana use on the eQIP, that is the reason for the denial. The denial is posted in JPAS and your FSO or Security Office can not explain further and can not ask for clarification from DISCO, nor can you appeal this interim decision. This prior interim denial should not affect your Public Trust determination, especially since it has been some time since your illegal drug use. The SSN error should have no affect on your clearance or Public Trust action nor should your numerous address changes. Continue to be honest in completing your forms. Good luck. |
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| bf626g (US) |
on 26 Oct 2009 at 8:47 pm |
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| I'm considering taking a MOS in the army that requires a Top Secret clearance. I am 21 years old and I have used marijuana in the past. I’ve been clean for almost 5 months now and I might enlist on January and I meet all other requirements for the clearance. Could that affect me getting the security clearance? |
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| OHIODoc (Ohio) |
on 25 Oct 2009 at 5:01 pm |
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Hi. I am applying for work at a defense contractor. I will need to get a security clearance. I realize that honesty is the best policy and have a friend that works for NSA. She told me to be honest about past drug use. I have read the "Adjudicative Guidelines" above, and feel like my drug usage will be mitigated, but I'd like to hear from someone with experience in granting or denying clearances to let me know what my chances are. Here are my circumstance:
--I have NO criminal record (only 1 speeding ticket when I was 18)
--I have used marijuana occasionally since I was about 22. Never more than once a month. Often went MONTHS without smoking it at all. Never went out of my way to purchase it.
--I have not used pot since this past new year's (about 10 months ago) and don't intend to use it again.
--I filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2004 which was discharged in 2004.
I am 35 years old and will be 36 this December. What do you think of my chances of being shot down? I really want this job, and didn't realize that my past would haunt me like this.
Thank,
Frank |
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| KC (st. louis, mo) |
on 22 Oct 2009 at 10:23 pm |
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I have a few questions. I am looking to get fulltime employment with a gov contractor. Right out of college last year I was offered employment with another company pending an interim clearance (I believe it was a Secret Clearance). I filled out everything honestly and was denied and they did not tell me the reason why and said that I cannot ask that FSO or the Security Office why I was denied. Is this a common thing not to tell why I was denied? Can I find out why?
I am worried about having employment now because Im in another company where I have to fill out a Public Trust Form in order to work on a Base. Will I be denied that because I was denied an interim before?
Some factors that may have lead to that first denial are as follows. I used marijuana a couple times for two months with the end about 5 months before my first try at a clearance and have not used since that last time. Also, the first time I filled out the form I faxed over my forms to the company and somehow they got my SSN wrong and they had to reenter me into the system with my correct SSN. Finally I moved back and forth from school and therefore had 9 change of addresses in 5 years. I used the same person that knows me for my "home" address each time. Should I use a different person for each address? And does changing addresses that many times a factor that could work against me? Please give me some insight on this. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 22 Oct 2009 at 11:49 am |
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Worried (Wash, DC)
Your isolated use of marijuana on one occasion should not have an affect on your clearance eligibility. However, your father working for a foreign government will certainly be a concern for the investigators and adjudicators. You will be queried about your knowledge of your father’s work, possibly what department he works in, his lever of influence over you, frequency and type of contact, and possibly his view of the U.S. Answer all questions honestly and good luck. |
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| Worried (Washington DC) |
on 21 Oct 2009 at 8:20 pm |
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| I am about to undergo a security clearance investigation. I have used marijuana once and that instance was almost 6 years ago come January. Will that one time affect my receiving a secret clearance? One other thing, my father works for a foreign government (india), i am a citizen while he is not, will that affect my receiving a secret clearance? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 20 Oct 2009 at 1:14 pm |
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Hopeful and Needing Advice,
Since your situations are very much similar, I will comment on both as one. If you truly have not used any illegal substances in 7+ years and you have no other issues, I do not see why you could not be granted TS/SCI eligibility. I suggest that you soul-search before completing the SF 86 and accurately (as best as you can recall) reflect your past drug use. Since the drug use questions on the SF 86 cite “in the past 7 years” and you did not use while holding a Secret security clearance, you can honestly answer “no”. However, some agencies have an addendum to the SF 86 that asks “have you ever”. Read the questions carefully and answer honestly. Good luck to both of you. |
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| anonymous (USA) |
on 19 Oct 2009 at 9:57 pm |
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Mr. Henderson,
Thanks for your response - just a quick follow up. My friend is going to come clean with security office at current job regarding all details of past experimentation. They have accepted that they may very well not be eligible for TS-SCI with CI poly given these circumstances.
However, the big questions is: what are the chances they will have their current secret clearance revoked, essentially resulting in losing their current job?
Your feedback is greatly appreciated |
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| hopeful |
on 18 Oct 2009 at 9:10 pm |
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I am in late 20's and have worked with a secret clearance for 5+ years. I under reported high-school/early college drug experimentation on my first SF86. I was straight out of college, cavalier and ignorant. I've regretted this ever since and have very much wanted to "come clean". I didn't list anything on the SF86, but I smoked marijuana ~twice a week for 2 or 3 months in high school, and then ~10 more times later in high school and in first year of college. I also experimented with LSD twice in high school. It has been 7+ years since any of this (10 years for LSD).
I am now up for a TS/SCI with a CI polygraph. I want to come clean during the interview process and know this is the right thing to do - this has been a burden on my conscience. I have great credit, no criminal history whatsoever, everything else is in very good shape. What are my chances for the clearance; is it even worth pursuing? Will I lose my secret clearance which would effectively mean I lose my job due to lack of total honest on original SF86? |
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| needing advice |
on 16 Oct 2009 at 11:29 am |
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| I am in my late 20's and have been working for 5+ years now with a secret clearance and am up for a new position that requires TS-SCI with a CI polygraph. I under-reported my drug experimentation on my original SF86. I have regretted it ever since - I was straight out of college - cavalier and scared at same time. I didn't declare any experimentation and it was partly due to a friend of mine who had asked a JAG who recommended that a little high-school/early college experimentation didn't constitute "drug use" as articulated on the SF86 at the time (they have since put the word "experimentation" on the new SF86). I experimented with marijuana some in high school, and a few times my first year in college. I experimented with LSD twice in high school. All of this has been over 7 years ago (10 for LSD) now since I have experimented with anything. I would very much like to "come clean" with my investigator for my TS and report this previously unreported "experimentation". I know your answer will be that I must absolutely do this. With that understood - what do you think my chances of getting the TS-SCI will be with this information coming to light. I have never had any criminal issues of any kind, my credit is great, everything else about my profile is very good. |
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| Wondering (DC) |
on 15 Oct 2009 at 12:50 pm |
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I began the process about half a year ago for a TS clearance. (I think I have a SSBI with a CI polygraph.) I smoked marijuana once a month for about 5 years, and not since summer of 2007.
I did not report my marijuana use on the SF86 and almost immediately regretted it. I was told by a friend who did the same to just come clean in the interview, as he had. He was fine, but he was also 18 at the time and maybe not up for the same clearance.
I recently got a call to schedule a phone interview where I'll be going over the SF86 line-by-line. (I believe it's the PRSI.)
I'm normally a very honest person and this is probably the most dishonest thing I've ever done, so I'm looking forward to just coming clean, but I would really like to hear from an expert just how this will affect my chances. Is my clearance hopeless?
I don't know if it'll help, but I'll explain that my conservative parents were helping me with all the foreign contact information and I really didn't want them seeing my form.
Thanks. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Oct 2009 at 7:53 am |
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Ed (Falls Church),
Yours is a tough question since all of the SCI agencies are a little different in processing SCI applicants and applying the ICD 704 guidelines. Remember, SCI access is a higher level than Secret or TS. I am assuming that your original falsification of forms “some time ago” was probably 10+ years and you have had favorable service in some capacity since. If you are honest during the SCI processing, I don’t see why you couldn’t be granted SCI access eligibility. I think the skill set you bring to the organization may have something to do with the final approval/disapproval. Good luck. |
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| Anon (Washington DC) |
on 15 Oct 2009 at 2:51 am |
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With regards to getting a TS/SCI with Full Scope for the NSA, I'm wondering if using marijuana ~10 times, ~4 months ago and also lightly a year ago, and going back 2-3 years of also light to moderate at times would have a pretty high chance of ruling me out.
That would be the only negative factor against me, and I would be truthful about it, but I'm wondering if really I should just wait for at least a year to attempt the clearance, as NSA seems to indicate, they have little tolerance for use in the past year. |
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| Ed Bradley (Falls Church) |
on 14 Oct 2009 at 8:30 am |
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I looked for a "Personal Conduct" article and couldn't find one, so here goes. Some time ago I applied for a job that asked about drug use. I underreported my drug use and had a very cavalier attitude at the time; I was fresh out of college and feeling arrogant. (I also strangely said some things that made my situation actually sound worse than the truth...I don't know why, I was in a hurry.) A day or so later, I felt bad about it and asked if I could change my answer. I was told that I could change my information at the next stage of the process, which never happened; they booted me for reporting drug use at all. This was not an SF86 or ESPQ, by the way.
Fast forward a bit. I have since gotten work with the US governmentI was nothing but 100% honest on my SF86 and EPSQ forms---I learned my lesson---and I was cleared both times. But, soon I'll have to admit that I once underreported my drug use. It's in the past and I can't hide it. It's the only time in my life I've ever knowingly lied on something like that. Do you think that is enough to deny SCI access?
Thanks... |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 13 Oct 2009 at 8:45 am |
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DC Native (Washington DC)
Your situation should not adversely affect your clearance eligibility. However, I recommend that you immediately get a copy of your credit report from all 3 major reporting agencies and you get one every year. You are entitled to a free copy every year. This way you can keep track of what is being reported on you as well as possibly see attempts of identity theft. |
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| DC Native (Washington DC) |
on 11 Oct 2009 at 4:52 am |
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My situation is simple, I have recently received a job offer with a government contractor which requires a 6C Public Trust Clearance. I filled out my questionnaire to the best of my knowledge. I have a pretty clean record, no arrest, DUI's or police run-ins. I wasn't sure if i answered my question correctly on if i have any existing debts 90 days past due, because i haven't reviewed any of my credit reports, but as far as i know i don't think i do.
My second issue is on having wages garnished. My wages were garnished once by mistake on behalf of a collection agency in the amount of $120, because i made an agreement to pay them off before the garnishment took place, which i did, but they still went ahead and took the first scheduled garnishment out and haven't reimbursed me at all! Anyhow, I unintentionally answered this question with a "no" because i completely forgot about the error on their part.
So the question stands, will this affect my chances of getting the clearance?? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 4:23 pm |
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Question:
Because you are applying for federal employment, see my response to USMS FCIP Applicant about employment suitability determinations. Your chance of being granted or denied a security clearance (if you first get a favorable employment suitability determination) will depend on many factors other than just your one time use of marijuana. What I’m saying is that this one single factor will not automatically result in a clearance denial. Circumstances surrounding the one time use, likelihood of future involvement, stated intent not to do it again, etc., will all be taken into consideration along with “whole person” factors. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 4:01 pm |
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Anonymous:
Since your friend has a security clearance, he/she has an obligation to self-report the past marijuana use to his/her security officer. Once that obligation is met, then your friend can consider any career choices open to him/her. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but sometimes you have to drink what is bitter in the cup and move on with your life. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 3:41 pm |
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USMS FCIP Applicant:
Bankruptcy per se is not a reason to deny a security clearance. People are denied clearances because they were unable or unwilling to pay their debts. So it depends on the reasons you were unable to pay the debts that were included in your bankruptcy, the type of bankruptcy, and how you have handled your finances since then. As a USMS applicant your investigation will probably be adjudicated first for employment suitability. If you receive a favorable employment suitability determination, then your investigation will be adjudicated for a security clearance. Employment suitability criteria are written in very broad language and subject to broad interpretation. I recommend you read my articles on “Personal Finances and Security Clearances” and “Employment Suitability Versus Security Clearances.” |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 3:26 pm |
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Paul:
All federal agencies, including State Department, CIA, and DIA, use the same adjudicative guidelines for making security clearance eligibility determinations. If an agency has issued its adjudicators written guidance on the application/interpretation of the adjudicative guidelines, they are not publicly available. PERSEREC’s recommended periods of abstinence are only recommendation. Each adjudicative facility decides this matter for itself. The appropriate period of abstinence for an 18 year old who used marijuana occasionally for 2 years probably is not appropriate for a 30 year old who used marijuana occasionally for 15 years. As explained in the article there are many factors other than the period of abstinence that go into an adjudicator’s decision. |
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| Paul (los angeles) |
on 06 Oct 2009 at 6:29 pm |
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Mr. Henderson
I was wondering what the policy is at the State Department regarding past Marijuana use as well as other intelligence community areas such as DIA and CIA.
I am 21 and have used marijuana a few times in the last year as well as on and off occasionally for the last few years. How long is it necessary to have not smoked for different branches including State Department? I have no intention of smoking after college at any point, but I want to know what sort of time line would be wise to follow. Any help you or anyone else can give me would be appreciated. |
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| USMS FCIP Applicant (south west) |
on 05 Oct 2009 at 11:52 pm |
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| Bill- I have been selected through the FCIP application process and was given a Conditional offer. My background has been completed about 8 weeks ago. I have a PERFECT BI except for a Bankruptcy about 1 year ago. My area was hit by a terrible flood, long story short we received a lot of damage and had no flood insurance. My wife and I lived check to check already and the flood just sank us. Will this DQ me from getting security clearance. My BI thought I would be OK, but she also said "You never know tho." Any thoughts??? |
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| anonymous (USA) |
on 05 Oct 2009 at 9:43 pm |
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A friend of mine is in their my late 20's and received their secret clearance 5 years ago. They did not come clean with past high-school experimentation with marijuana. They really wish they had, and regret this. Since being granted secret clearance they have made the mistake of trying twice again, impulsively in social situation. They will never do this again, and admit it was also a mistake they regret. Other than this they have a perfectly clean record, absolutely no criminal record, no financial problems, no foreign contacts, have a master's degree, own a house, etc.
They believe they will likely get a position that requires them to upgrade to a TS clearance with a counter-intelligence polygraph. They understand the CI poly will likely not ask any drug related questions. However they know there will be the "past drug use" section on the SF86 for the TS. Also they're wondering if they will be asked in the poly if all the information on their SF86 (previous or current) is 100% accurate. Should they "come clean"? Their conscious would very much like to but they're afraid not being entirely truthful on original secret clearance and then trying twice since being granted the clearance makes them look very bad.
They're also afraid they could lose their current secret clearance from this process and therefor lose their current job. Is it smarter to simply not go through with this job offer? They would very much like to take it and have no interest in experimenting any more and am the first to admit mistakes. |
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| Question (USA) |
on 05 Oct 2009 at 3:01 pm |
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| I smoked for the first time ever four months ago, I am being hired by the National Archives. I am being honest on my SF 86, do you think there is a good chance I will still be disqualified? |
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| Nervous in MD (Annapolis Maryland) |
on 04 Oct 2009 at 12:02 pm |
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I have a question. I am a contractor at the NSA. and I am due for my PR soon. I obtained my current clearance from the military. While going through all the processes (life-poly, paperwork, etc.), I notified the NSA security folks that I had omitted some drug use information when I went through the clearance process in the military (with a long explanation to follow). Yes, I know it was wrong, but what's done is done. It was something that bothered me for a long time and I was happy to get it off my chest.
Anyways, I told them that I 100% intended to report it on my PR. Everything went well, they gave me access and I am now a badged employee. This PR that I have coming up is bothering me now. Is there any chance at all that OPM will give me a favorable adjudication? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Oct 2009 at 12:14 pm |
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Michele (Arlington),
Mr. Henderson is correct - I am "a very knowledgeable retired DoD personnel security adjudicator" ha ha, but I did not write the article or the Security Clearance Manual. Mr. Henderson is the author of both and both are very good sources for users of this website. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 30 Sep 2009 at 8:25 pm |
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Scadam:
FBI has a very restrictive employment drug use policy. The basic rule is no marijuana during the past 3 years and no other illegal drugs during the past 10 years, plus absolutely no illegal drug use of any kind while employed as a law enforcement officer. This is part of the FBI's employment suitability standards. It is not the standard for granting or denying a security clearance. For an FBI applicant it doesn't matter, because if you are disqualified because of their employment suitability standards, you don't progress to the security clearance stage. See my article on "Employment Suitability Versus Security Clearances" for more information. |
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| College Kid (North Carolina) |
on 29 Sep 2009 at 1:31 pm |
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| I am applying for a position as a CIA geographer intern next summer which I apparently need a clearance for. I have experimented with pot, as recently as July. I have never purchased it myself or sold it or tried anything harder. While I would never be dishonest on my application, I now wonder if I should even bother completing the fairly lengthy application. Do I have a shot at being given the internship? |
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| DOD Guy (USA) |
on 25 Sep 2009 at 11:01 pm |
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William:
Thanks for weighing in on my case. I hope you are right and I do get my secret clearance. It certainly seems like there aren't any deal breakers on my app, but you never know which desk it will land on. |
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| Scadam (New York) |
on 25 Sep 2009 at 7:22 am |
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| Bill -- Thank You - it has been bugging me since this usage denied me a FBI support position recently. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 24 Sep 2009 at 11:11 pm |
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cowboy:
I would be amazed if any federal agency denied you a security clearance based solely on taking a Tylenol 3 tablet given to you by your mother when you were 17 to control back pain. I would be equally amazed if you were rejected for this because of employment suitability criteria used by the US Marshals Service. |
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| cowboy (Arkansas) |
on 24 Sep 2009 at 2:30 pm |
|
I'm 23 years old and hoping to join the us marshal service. When I was 17 I had been working doing landscaping one day, couldn't get out of bed the next day my back hurt so bad. My mother gave me one of her prescription Tylenol 3 tablets and made me an appointment to see the doctor. He didn't prescribe Tylenol 3, something else
Will taking this non- prescribed(to me) Tylenol 3 as a minor from my mother, keep me from being able to be hired by the marshals? At 17 I wasn't looking to be in FLE and was not aware of any of the rules. It's he only time I ever took a prescription not prescribed in my name. |
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| Curious (DC) |
on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:18 pm |
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| Thanks |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 11:13 pm |
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DOD guy:
Absent any other problems or aggravating circumstance, I think you have a good chance of getting a Secret clearance. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:46 pm |
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MIchele:
Bill L. is a very knowledgeable retired DoD personnel security adjudicator, but he is not the author of this article or the book, Security Clearance Manual. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:40 pm |
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| Scadam: No. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:38 pm |
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Curious (DC):
No they will not investigate him nor will they provide the information to a law enforcement agency for prosecution or any other purpose. First, security clearance investigators have no authority to investigate him. Second, no one has the time or interest to pursue criminal action against your former roommate. It's just way too much work for such a petty alleged offense where there really isn't any evidence (just your word against his). |
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| unemployed (NY) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 9:56 pm |
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Hi,
I am an all but dissertation, doctoral student. I am applying for several jobs that require a security clearance CIA, State Dept, and DIA. I used marijuana fairly regularly in college and tried several other drugs once. I used marijuana a couple times in my first 2 years of graduate school. I walked the straight and narrow since then, but recently (4-6) months ago while studying/researching abroad I used marijuana for about 2 months once a week. This was helpful for my research as I had been having trouble establishing rapport.
Will I have trouble getting TS security clearance? How long should I wait before beginning the application process for these positions? Is research a mitigating factor? |
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| Wanna Arab Linguist (San Francisco, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 8:33 pm |
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I want to thank you for all the time you've put in to answering all our questions... I feel like a lot of these questions are about mild to ridiculously insignificant interactions with drugs, etc. Mine's not.
I just graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Arabic and although I wouldn't use the term fluent - as they only teach Standard Arabic and not the dialects in colleges and universities to anywhere near the same extent - I speak it really well and have picked up colloquial Arabic well before I even studied in the West Bank.
My issue is that I wanted to study abroad in either Lebanon or the West Bank, my parents said under no conditions would they ever send their son to either of those places. I fought with them a lot, of course in vain. I come from an affluent community and wasn't a great high school student and therefore was not eligible for merit-based nor need-base financial aid in any form and my bank stopped doing personal loans a long time ago. So i resorted to selling drugs. I became very passionate about my studies and I was gonna study in the Arab world whatever it took - and i knew I had to do it while I was a student, since students often have opportunities not available to others. I also took on three legal, legitimate jobs to help me raise the money to travel to the Middle East. This is in addition to being a full time student and excelling in my classes. During the time when I sold marijuana, cocaine, and MDMA, (~12 months) I only every used marijuana regularly and tried cocaine socially a couple times. I never went to work or to class high and it never interfered in my ~50-hour, 7-day work week. And as of 1.5 years ago, I could probably count the number of times I've smoked on one hand, when I came back from the West Bank a year ago, I lacked any desire to smoke - who knows why. After I came back, all and any connections I had that was accomplice to my selling drugs was severed, or rather had been severed when I left for the summer four months prior.
Okay, my question is this, in the gov't's eyes, can you ever do the wrong thing for the right reasons?
For me, my end justified my means. I wanted to visit Israel and the West Bank to see with my own eyes - anyone who thinks that news stations aren't biased one way or another is sadly naïve. So how else am I supposed to make opinions on the issue? As an American, it's my responsibility to know how my country affects the world I live in and god knows how much American policy affects the situation in the holyland whether positive or negative. I was able to spend a month in Israel with Israeli and American Jewish friends where as I was in the West Bank for two months under the auspices of a university.
I read the adjudicated guidelines and also saw above the 'take with a grain of salt'' list of preferred periods of time of abstention from interaction, possession and/or transferring of illegal drugs. It hasn't been too long, but I graduated college, no longer live in Berkeley or associate with really anyone I knew except for my two best friends from UC Berkeley who are far removed from the whole situation.
I want to serve as a linguist in Iraq. Ever since I was five years old I have wanted to be an interpreter. I don't want to start off by getting denied clearance... so I think I might wait till after grad school in either Beirut or Jerusalem because I know I won't get involved with anything questionable, especially over there, and allow more time to pass to disassociate myself with my past. But if I were to join the services before hand, they would pay for my education after some service.
What's your take? |
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| Curious (DC) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 4:46 pm |
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| Since I had mentioned some drug usage on the SF86, they sent someone to investigate me. They asked who provided me with the prescription medication I experimented with and I told them it was roommate and upon further prompting, I gave his name. Will they look into him and possibly prosecute him? |
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| Scadam (New York) |
on 18 Sep 2009 at 5:42 pm |
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| Would a one time marijuana use 35 years ago while employed as a police officer automatically disqualify me for a TS or even a Secret? |
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| Michele (Arlington) |
on 18 Sep 2009 at 7:18 am |
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| Oh, and just so folks know, the lawyer tells me it will cost between $7000 and $15000 to resolve this issue and defend myself. |
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| Michele (Arlington) |
on 18 Sep 2009 at 7:08 am |
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Bill,
Thank you for your quick and thorough response. I wish I had bought your book long before I embarked on this journey for TS/SCI clearance! But I've got it now, and I also have an attorney that specializes in clearances/military law. I'll see him on Monday afternoon.
He gave me a lot of good information -- like one of his foremost problems are Navy chiefs because they always give their sailors bad information, and don't refer them to proper legal help. And the other thing he shared with me was that the agency I applied to is FUBAR and doesn't get any of the paperwork correct.
The other very interesting thing he told me was the those who are interviewed are immune from being sued. So, people can destroy your reputation, defame your character, and basically lie to the ends ot the earth about youj -- AND IT"S OKAY!!!!
But I'm getting a copy of the clearance package, and he's going to expedite it. If it's someone at work that lied about me, then I'm suing the agency I currently work for instead. I'm done with the lies and innuendoes of these disgusting lecherous old goats that I've worked for over the last 30 years. |
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| DOD guy (USA) |
on 17 Sep 2009 at 8:52 pm |
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Hi folks I would really appreciate anyone's take on my chances for getting my secret security clearance approved for an overseas civilian DOD job that I was recently hired for. Here are the details:
1985 - General (Under Honorable Conditions) Specific reason for discharge: drug abuse
This was for being accused of smoking marijuana while in the military
1992 - charged with DUI .10, plead No Contest and was not assessed points and did not lose license
Subsequently I enlisted and was honorably discharged twice by the National Guard. I have good credit and everything else is clean on my record.
Will the passage of time and two honorable discharges mitigate the DUI and General Discharge from so long ago? Will the DOD grant me a secret clearance? I have listed these two issues on my application. |
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| Hola (USA) |
on 17 Sep 2009 at 12:59 pm |
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Hello everyone, thanks for the taking the opportunity to read this. I am gonna lay out my situation and you let me know what my chances are here lol.
Two misdemeanors (shoplifting one year ago and "providing to a minor" four years ago -- I threw a party when I was 18 and that's what the cops wrote it up as), no jail time or arrest for either. Also, I fall under experimental/occasional drug use of marijuana in June 2008 and it's been out of my life since then. I am gonna be 100% open on the application about that.
I am fluent in Farsi and want to go into cryptologic linguistics which needs TS-SCI. I am 22, have a bachelor's degree, and the rest of my life has been handled responsibly (no credit issues, constant employment history, etc). What do you think my chances are of getting this clearance? I am turning in my SF-86 tomorrow and go to MEPS on Tuesday.. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Sep 2009 at 11:39 am |
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Michelle (Arlington),
If the agency you applied to is truly going to deny you employment or clearance eligibility for what you have described, I would consider another agency. An NJP action is generally kept in your local files for 1 year; however, a copy is filed in your permanent records. Although, technically you did falsify your SF 86/eQIP, a denial of employment/clearance for something 30 years ago is ridiculous. If you really, really want the position you applied for, I suggest you consult an attorney. There are several in the DC area that do a lot of work on clearance/employment issues. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Sep 2009 at 11:31 am |
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Daniel,
I do not think your situation will result in a denial of TS or revocation of your Secret, as long as you are honest on your current SF 86/eQIP. |
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| Eric (ClearanceJobs) |
on 14 Sep 2009 at 11:09 am |
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gunnergrl,
See: http://www.clearancejobs.com/security_clearance_faq.pdf
Under "How can I get a copy of my clearance investigation?" on page 10. |
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| gunnergrl (san diego) |
on 12 Sep 2009 at 2:42 pm |
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| I was discharged from the Navy in Dec 06 for testing positive for cocaine on a urinalysis. I didnt actually do drugs it was an over the counter supplement from GNC and it was tested by a lab and confirmed something in it metabolizes the same as cocaine. Nevertheless I was still separated with a general under honerable, they say because of th zero tolerance policy. Anyways I had a TS and on the day I separated according to the Navy I still had my clearance. How do I find out if they ever took it away and will I be able to get it back? |
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| Michele (Arlington ) |
on 12 Sep 2009 at 1:23 pm |
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I applied for a position that required a TS SCI. I filled out the paperwork and the investigation was done. Today I received a certified letter called a Notice of Proposed Action that said in essence that I lied on the application and need to provide a response to them. The questions were: Have you ever been charged with any felony offense? Have you ever been charged with any offense related to alcohol or druges?
30 years ago I was in the Navy overseas and was given an NJP due to having been accused of smoking marijuana at a party off base. The accuser was sent back to the states because he was mentally unstable and he had been stalking me for months. Of course, back in the day, stalking wasn't a crime. And even though he was put into a mental institution, the NJP stood.
But I was given to believe that an NJP only stays in your record for a year. After a year, I was given glowing reports by all of my superiors and they wanted me to re-enlist. But I had had enough of the Navy, left and continued on with my life.
I really did not think I was being dishonest on my application. Now what do I do? I've requested my military records from St. Louis to see if the NJP is still in there, so I can read it. I don't recall what it said.
Should I get a lawyer? Thanks. |
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| Daniel (Syracuse, NY) |
on 10 Sep 2009 at 2:36 pm |
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Thanks for the reply Bill. That is interesting that you lose your Secret clearance all together if you get denied a TS clearance. For safety sake, do you think it would be a better idea then to wait until my military contract is up before I do it? I am an officer and I have to have at least a Secret. I would hate to apply for a TS, get denied, and then take a big demotion because of it.
Thanks again. This site is an outstanding resource. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 10 Sep 2009 at 11:22 am |
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Daniel (Syracuse, NY),
Last question first. If your TS is denied, you will lose your Secret. However, if you have not used illegal substances since 2004 and there are no other issues (financial, criminal, etc) I see no reason that you will not get your TS eligibility granted. There is enough passage of time since your drug use. You may or may not be questioned about the discrepancy in the answers on the forms, but the misrepresentation in 2005 is now 4 years old. Good luck. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 10 Sep 2009 at 11:16 am |
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Concerned,
Sorry for the misread. If you were honest on the SF 86 and during the personal interview, I think you have a fair to good chance of getting your clearance eligibility granted. |
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| Daniel (Syracuse, NY) |
on 08 Sep 2009 at 10:58 pm |
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Hello,
I am currently in the National Guard (Infantry) with a Secret clearance. I applied for it while in college in 2005 and was granted it soon after in 2006. I used marijuana in 2004 about 5 times. I was dumb at the time I filled out my SF-86 and I listened to my recruiter who told me "They don't know anything that hasn't been written down anywhere." So stupid me, I compromised my own integrity and said I had never tried it. I now realize how dumb that was because I understand honesty is always the best policy, but for some reason I guess I thought I would be automatically denied.
My issue now is that I want to switch from Infantry to MI, and I will need a TS clearance to do so. If I apply, I will be completely honest on the SF-86 this time around.
Do I have a shot in hell at getting a clearance, or will the discrepancy between the old SF-86 and the new SF-86 disqualify me? Also, if I am denied a TS clearance because of this, can it affect the status of my current secret clearance?
Thanks in advance. |
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| Concerned |
on 08 Sep 2009 at 10:20 pm |
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Bill,
I think you misread my post. I provided accurate information on all of my forms. I'm just concerned that the information I provided will eliminate me from the process. Do I need to be concerned? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 08 Sep 2009 at 2:16 pm |
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Concerned,
YES, you need to be concerned. You have provided false information to 2 important questions regarding illegal drug use and alcohol-involved criminal conduct. If the SF85P has not been submitted to the investigators, you should retreive it and make corrections. Your arrest may very likely surface during the FBI check or local police checks. If the investigation is already on-going and you are interviewed, you should at that time offer correct information to the investigator. |
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| Concerned |
on 04 Sep 2009 at 10:31 am |
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| I was recently hired for a job with the Department of Commerce. The job requires a preliminary security clearance. The SF85P form asked about drug use within the last year, and I admitted to smoking marijuana once. My answers up to this point have been completely honest, but I am concerned that they will ask about prior drug use in the security interview. I tried cocaine once a year and a half ago and occasionally used marijuana until a year and a half ago as well. I was also arrested 2 and a half years ago for underage possession of alcohol and public intoxication (both charges were dismissed after I completed a 4 session alcohol class). Do I need to be concerned? Thank you. |
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| Amanda (Kentucky) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 6:34 pm |
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| I am applying for a job with the FBI and I used adderral this past March while enrolled in college. Is this too soon to apply for this position? I was previously employed by the FBI as an intern, went through the background, poly, everything, and I used adderral after my TS clearance expired, so I didn't use with an active clearance. I only used it once and have never used any other drugs illegally. Will this disqualify me for the job? |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 11:41 am |
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Mistake,
Sorry to go "Dr. Phil" on you, but that was a big mistake to falsify your forms. It may not surface for your Secret clearance and I can not speak for the FBI, but it will be obvious that you completed a form in 2009 that you did not use illegal drugs but in the future you complete a form and indicate that you used drugs in 2009 and THAT falsification may lead the FBI (or other agency like DIA/CIA/NSA) to conclude your reliability is not to their standard. You will be asked something to the effect "Is there anything in your background that may reflect unfavorably or could be used against you?" and many of the agencies named above require a polygraph during the processing and routinely during employment. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 11:34 am |
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Mandi (USA),
I don't think your incidents will disqualify you from a TS clearance eligibility nor do I think you need to wait another year to apply to DIA. Your incidents are relatively minor and long enough ago that they should not be an issue. Be truthful on your forms and throughout the investigation. Although you were not cited for the alcohol incident, references interviewed may have knowledge of the incident and may report it to the investigators. Many, repeat many, DIA positions also require SCI access and possible polygraph. But do not be concerned as long as you are truthful. Good luck. |
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| drew (baltimore) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 1:01 am |
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| In June of 2007, I was charged with possession of 1g of marijuana. I completed a 6-month program to avoid a conviction and succeded in doing so, resulting in a nolle prosequi. I am attempting to join the navy with an IT job since I am already halfway to my computer science degree (over 60 credits) will this charge bar me from a top secret clearance (required for the jobs i am seeking) even though i was never convicted? |
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| mistake |
on 30 Aug 2009 at 2:32 pm |
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| I recently filled out a sf-86 for arotc scholarship. I contracted for benefits this fall for college, as i am a freshman in college . However, I was unthruthful in one area for my secret security clearance on the sf86. I have had the cleanest record till I messed up this summer, about 4 months ago where it started. i experimented about 8 times within 2 months maryj. so i put that i havent used anything ever. if i put it down I KNOW i would lose my scholarship and subsequently horrible relations with my family and friends would happen. if I try to apply to FBI in a decade or two, will I be automatically disqualified for lying on the SF86 about drug use? or if i apply for an internship that requires a TS, will I be asked if I have lied on a prior SF86? |
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| Mandi (usa) |
on 30 Aug 2009 at 12:52 am |
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I recently graduated college with honors and am looking to apply to a program at DIA where I am required to be cleared for a TS clearance.
The first concern I have is that 2.5 years ago, when I was 20, I tried marijuana once. I do not associate with the people who were there at the time (aside from my best friend who I am still in contact with) and I have no intention of ever experimenting again. Also, almost two years ago, an ex-boyfriend perpetuated a screaming match at my campus which resulted in the campus police being called. I had two drinks immediately prior to the argument, and I was breathalyzed w/ a BAC of .124. As the cops knew that alcohol was not a major factor in the argument, they told me to complete a university alcohol education course or they would cite me as a minor in possession. I received no citation and was not taken into police custody and completed the university course.
I plan on submitting all this information on my SF-86, however, I am tempted to wait another year to apply to this program if that will aid in my chances of getting clearance. I intend to work in the intelligence field in some capacity and would rather not start it off with a denied clearance. During the time of these incidences I always maintained an exemplary academic and leadership records at my university. I matured quickly when I realized what I wanted to do as a career and aside from these events, I have always exercised excellent judgment. I am extremely worried my age in relation to when these incidences occurred will work against me though.
ANY insight into my chances of getting a Top Secret clearance are greatly appreciated. Thank you! |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 25 Aug 2009 at 7:34 am |
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DAK,
Sorry to hear of your situation. As a former Army Reservist with 34 years of service, I have seen many cases like yours go both ways - retained and discharged. I even saw a cocaine user retained. That is a command decision based on evidence you provide and the support or non-support of your chain of command.
The answer to your question is probably yes, providing there are no other issues and this is truely a one-time use of illegal drugs. In DoD, generally (repeat generally) a one-year passage of time with no repeat conduct is sufficient for the adjudicators to look favorably on a person's background. I can not address other agencies (Energy, Homeland Security, etc) but I see no reason that you could not in the future receive a Secret or Top Secret clearance eligibility. |
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| DAK (San Francisco ) |
on 24 Aug 2009 at 3:31 pm |
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Hello,
I'm being discharged form the reserves for a one time use of THC. I'm in the process at this point, so I'm not sure what they will give me as for my discharge. I know that it will be a Gen Under Honorable Conditions, but that's all I know for now. I'm devastated that I made such a bad judgment call and smoked at all. I have never been in trouble and have a good reserve record, (except for this one incident).
My question is, will I ever be able to pass a background investigation and receive any kind of clearance? There are a lot of mitigating circumstances on why I screwed up and smoked; family, work, and personal. Does the BI take any of these into consideration when evaluating my situation.
I'm afraid that this one stupid mistake in the reserves has ruined my life... any advise or comments are appropriated.. Thank you! |
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| John |
on 21 Aug 2009 at 7:35 pm |
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Follow Up to Question:
Sorry, I worded that incorecctly. Maybe I should have asked, if she is indeed honest during THIS background check and comes clean with the Agency, what are the odds they will look past her previous dishonesty and be happy that she is coming clean with THEM during THIS background check. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Aug 2009 at 3:28 pm |
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John:
Security clearance applicants should always be completiely truthful. Advising someone to make a false official statement is in essence “subornation of perjury.” Most positions in the intelligence community require a TS clearance with SCI eligibility. The investigation for many of these positions involves a full-scope polygraph examination that includes questions regarding past drug involvement. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Aug 2009 at 3:03 pm |
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Anonymous:
The adjudicative criteria for a Top Secret clearance are exactly the same as for a Secret clearance. If the agency that granted your Secret clearance was aware that you stole beer from your employer when you were 16 years old and failed to disclose the reason for your termination of employment on your original clearance application form, this incident has been favorably adjudicated and will not prevent you from receiving a Top Secret clearance, provided there has been no subsequent misconduct. |
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| John |
on 20 Aug 2009 at 9:01 pm |
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QUESTION: I know someone who has been granted 3 or 4 different SECRET level clearances for various military, contracting positions. The person experimented with drugs when he was 14 and then also again from 19-24. He did so obviously while in the military when he held a SECRET clearance. He has since then stopped using experimenting with drugs. He has also never disclosed it on a background questinaire.
The person is now applying for a position with the CIA. She wants to know whether she should just keep sweeping it under the rug, due to the fact that she has never disclosed it previously, never been in trouble for it, and also experimented while holding the clearance. Or, should she come clean with the CIA about all of her past experimentation during her background investigation? |
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| anonymous |
on 20 Aug 2009 at 6:47 pm |
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| I applied for Top Secret clearance on December 2003. I was denied because I held back an incident when I was 16 years old until an interview. I did not disclose that information on the original application. When I was 16 I was employed at a food store and stole beer once along with others. I wasn’t fired from this job, but was instead forced to quit. I did not put this on my original application for clearance because A. I was scared I wouldn’t get the clearance and B. Stupid. During an interview with an investigator I disclosed this information. After that I was denied Top Secret clearance and I entered another job in the military. I currently have a secret clearance and I want to train into a job that requires Top Secret clearance. Would I most likely be denied again because of the incident when I was 16? I’m aware stealing alcohol when I was 16 is definitely a negative image, however I am hoping my last four years in the military with an excellent record would help out my chances. Thanks for any response. |
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| jhiggins (Boston) |
on 15 Aug 2009 at 3:17 am |
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| I'm am currently applying for a position of public trust for a federal law enforcement agency and am currently employed as a police officer for more than ten years. I completed both the sf85p and sf85p-s. My concern is I was enlisted from 92-99. In 94 I smoked marijuana 1x. I'm not sure if I had a clearance at the time, but completed the paperwork for a secret clearance in the beginning of 98. I recently found the paperwork, not even remembering I filled it out and answered incorrectly (not intentionally) about drug use over the past 7 years. I also don't know if they completed the clearance before my enlistment ended in the begining of 99. Will this be a concern for me as I go through this process and if so what suggestions do you have? Thank in advance for your help with matter, as it has me very worried. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 14 Aug 2009 at 9:11 pm |
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| Laura: Sounds like you were eliminated from the process due to employment suitability criteria (not security clearance criteria). Since the position you applied for is probably an excepted service appointment, there is no formal rebuttal or appeal process. See my article on this website entitled: "Employment Suitability Versus Security Clearances" for more information. |
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| laura (california) |
on 11 Aug 2009 at 2:40 pm |
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| I applied for dea, on first application I marked that I never use drugs. on second application I marked yes because the question was more in details asking if I had ever had contact with drugs etc. I took one puff and seriously, I did not inhale it. After going through almost all steps before my poly, dea sent me a latter saying that due to the two different answers on application I was no longer to be considered to stay in the process. Should I write them and ask to be reconsider? is it worth trying? thank u so much |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 04 Aug 2009 at 9:33 am |
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Tim (Florida):
This is not a clear yes or no answer. First, let me explain the difference between eligibility and access. Eligibility means that your background has been evaluated by an adjudicator and they have rendered a decision that your history indicates a reliability and dependability (along with other areas) that enable you to be granted an eligibility. Access is the actual granting of personal contact (oral, written, electronic) with classified information/materials. The intel community normally deals in access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and most agencies require a polygraph prior to such access. It is imperative that you be honest in submitting your application for an investigation (eQIP/SF 86) and in subsequent personal interviews. Although you may be granted a Top Secret eligibility by an adjudicative facility, an intel agency may deny you access to SCI. There are separate (although almost identical) adjudicative guidelines for SCI and non-SCI access determinations and the intel agencies look harder at areas of honesty and reliability. You admit that you falsified/withheld information to get your Secret clearance eligibility. I do not believe that you have ruined your life or the rest of your career, but intel agencies will look hard at this. |
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| Tim (Florida) |
on 03 Aug 2009 at 7:11 pm |
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| When I joined the reserves I said I had never done drugs of any kind in order to get the job I wanted and my secret clearance, when I had used marijuana on a few occasions prior to joining. After finishing my initial training I returned to civilian status and used MDMA 3 times over the course of 4 years. Now I\'m interested in working for the intelligence community and would be required to get a top secret clearance w/ poly. My question is would I be able to get my clearance even though I lied on my SF86, and used drugs while holding a clearance. Its been at least 12 months since use and I\'m done with all that stupid stuff. I don\'t want to lie on my clearance, I want to come clean and move forward with my life and career and I fear being stupid might of ruined the rest of my life? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 03 Aug 2009 at 3:52 pm |
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Lost in US SF Garble: You misquoted question #19 on the old SF86. It reads: Have you ever received other than an honorable discharge from the military?" You misplaced the word "an" which changed the meaning of the sentence. The way the question is written, it requires a "yes" response for any discharge other than an "honorable' discharge."
There is something many people call an "other than honorable discharge." I believe the proper name of the discharge is "under other than honorable conditions." Perhaps the NCOs you spoke to also misread the questions.
Whether or not you can be fired, depends on personnel rules. My area of knowledge is security clearances, so I can't help. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 03 Aug 2009 at 3:36 pm |
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| Nervous: If the drug problem and financial problem ended over 4 years ago and you previously self-reported the substance abuse treatment and bankruptcy to your security manager, I don't think you have anything to worry about. |
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| Nervous (us) |
on 01 Aug 2009 at 10:29 pm |
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| I have been employed with a Secret Clearance for the last 14 years. Just over 6 years ago I developed an addiciton to prescription medication. I never had any incidents with any law enforcement agencies or with my job. It was causing problems at home however, so I chose to self identify and enter a treatment facility. I completed 14 days of a 28 day program ( I didn't finish due to a lack of leave). Since this time, I have not abused any drugs either illegal or prescription. My wife and I did end up separating which led to bankruptcy 4 years ago. Since I am back on my feet financially with no other negative information on my credit report. Also my performance on the job has been stellar. Should I be worried. |
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| Lost in US SF Garble (Laurel, Md) |
on 31 Jul 2009 at 3:09 pm |
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I served 4 years Active Duty Army, Honorable discharge.
I enlisted for 4 years in the Natl Guard, General discharge (under honorable conditions) for unsat participation (Re-3)..
I was appointed to a GS position with a one year proabtion period. On my SF 86, question 19 "have you ever received an other than honorable discharge"
I answered 'no" I was advised by several NCOs and under the impression that "no" was the correct answer. I was not withholding or smudging the information.
My supervisor is trying to have me terminated based on this question. Am I wrong? Can I be fired for not answering yes.
Thanks for ANY information that can be provided regarding this situation. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 28 Jul 2009 at 6:03 pm |
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| curious: Absent any aggravating factors, they probably would not be denied a security clearance. |
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| curious (MI) |
on 28 Jul 2009 at 1:55 am |
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| If a person used drugs on a few occasions roughly 7 years ago and then again on 1 occasion 5 years ago would they be denied a security clearance? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 16 Jul 2009 at 11:51 pm |
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Christina C:
My best guess is that your friend’s clearance was suspended and in the process of being revoked when he/she was discharged. When your friend was discharged, the military security clearance adjudication facility lost jurisdiction over your friend's case and had to stop what it was doing. Your friend's clearance terminated. But his/her clearance database record now has a bold red notation indicating that an unresolved incident report exists. It is not possible to reinstate a clearance when this type of situation exists.
It is very difficult to mitigate drug use while holding a clearance, especially in the military and in federal service. It may be possible to get a clearance sometime in the future, but only after showing a major change in lifestyle, responsibility, judgment, and willingness to follow rules, as well as a number of years of abstinence from drug involvement. |
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| Christina C (Gloucester Virginia) |
on 14 Jul 2009 at 10:50 pm |
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| I have a friend who got into a little trouble in the service with weed. Anyways they were given a general under honorable conditions discharge on there Dd-214. This individual has never had any other circumstances of trouble before and possessed an SCI clearance prior to the incident. Is this person completely unacceptable in a clearance job? and also if there clearance was renewed prior to the incident is there clearance still current or is it gone forever? |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 07 Jul 2009 at 8:15 pm |
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wanderlust:
The only cases DOHA posts on its website are those that are reviewed by an Administrative Judge (AJ) at a hearing or based solely on the written record. DOHA only receives about 20-25% of the cases initially reviewed by DISCO. DISCO favorably adjudicates 75-80% of the cases it reviews and refers the rest (most difficult) to DOHA. DOHA favorably adjudicates the vast majority of the cases it receives from DISCO without the need to refer them to an AJ. Of those that go to an AJ (about 1300 a year) roughly 60% are denied clearances.
DISCO/DOHA handles DOD contractor security clearances. DOHA also handles appeals on other DOD cases when the appellant requests a "personal appearance." |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 07 Jul 2009 at 10:01 am |
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Pgh44 (Pittsburgh),
You were told correctly. You can not be investigated or adjudicated for a security clearance eligibility unless you are affiliated with the federal government in some capacity, i.e., enlisted in the military, selected for federal civilian employment, or clearance is required for a position as a federal contractor. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 07 Jul 2009 at 9:55 am |
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Veronica (Reston, VA)
Your husband was not denied a clearance eligibility because of his drug use, unless it was extensive. He was denied because he "concealed this fact during the security clearance process". Regardless of the advice he received, when he signed his forms (eQIP, SF 86), he signed a statement "I understand that intentionally withholding, misrepresenting, or falsifying information may have a negative effect on my security clearance, employment prospects, or job status, up to and including denial or revocation of my security clearance". His falsification of this information made that the relevant issue in the adjudication process. |
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| wanderlust (USA) |
on 06 Jul 2009 at 7:21 pm |
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Thanks for directing me to the DOHA, reading the cases has given me confidence that I can come totally clean and get a clearance, but that I should be prepared to speak to a judge at some point. I can sleep just a little bit better at night now...
I do have a question though. All these cases seem to have gone to a judge at some point, which makes me wonder, does this mean any admission of drug use requires the DOHA to doubt an applicant and hence requires this appeal process? Are there not "mild" cases where a preliminary "okay" is make?
Thanks again! |
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| Veronica (Reston, VA) |
on 06 Jul 2009 at 10:11 am |
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These outrageous drug policies need to change, plain and simple. My husband graduated from college with honors and was recruited for a defense job with Boeing before he'd even finished his graduate degree, and now he may lose his job and his future prospects for employment with the industry he's trained for years to work in simply because he smoked marijuana in college and concealed this fact during the security clearance process. It doesn't really matter now, but he was advised to do this by somebody who had already obtained the same clearance level and was in the same field -- because of the government's zero tolerance policy regarding drugs it doesn't like.
The grades and degrees do not matter, his past stellar record of employment does not matter, character references from teachers and co-workers don't matter, his demonstrated ability to function as a stable, productive, socially conscious member of society sure as hell does not matter. The only thing that seems to matter is that he smoked that heinous devil weed and he needs to be punished for it.
This is not the United States of America I was taught about in school. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 02 Jul 2009 at 5:57 pm |
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wonderlust:
About 3 years ago the FBI had a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal drug use, but that policy applied to employment suitability determinations, not security clearance—of course it had the same effect because people who did drugs didn’t get the job. Since then the FBI has relaxed their policy a little.
As the article indicates any illegal use of drugs is a potentially disqualifying condition for a security clearance. But this potentially disqualify condition can be mitigated depending on the circumstances surrounding the drug use. Read over what it says in the Adjudicative Guidelines at Guideline H: Drug Involvement, then read some of past clearance decisions regarding drug involvement at the DOHA (Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals) website for examples of cases.
Many people are able to mitigate past drug use. Very, very few people are able to mitigate the act of intentionally providing false information on a clearance application form. |
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| wanderlust (USA) |
on 30 Jun 2009 at 10:00 pm |
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I've just graduated college and am about to fill out an SF-86. In regards to past drug use, I have taken a hit of marijuana about a year ago, and two hits roughly two years ago. Never had a pee-test go positive, and never been caught. The "holy crap" moment hit me a year ago when I looked into getting a clearance in the near future, and I've never gone near the stuff again. Another discouragement that helped was that I never successfully inhaled, I wasn't very good at the whole thing... Anyway, I feel I should list this on the SF-86, knowing that I may very likely get found out later on if I lied, and I'm reading a few horror stories online about people that have been caught lying on the 86.
However... a person I know told me his army recruiter told him back in the day to lie on his SF-86 about use (and this guy piped up big in college). He's never been caught (he's about to retire!), and he and I just had a fairly passionate fight on whether or not I should lie on the SF-86. He's told me stories of friends of his who have admitted to marijuana use 10 years prior to applying to the FBI who were turned away. He's told me of zero-tolerance policies and everything that scare the daylights out of me and are tempting me to lie on the SF-86.
So now I'm sweating bullets, and want to hear from someone who knows what they're talking about. If I came truthfully, with no foreign contacts, no debt or financial problems, no criminal history, etc., just three hits between one and two years ago, would I be turned down for the clearance and hence the job? How much would it depend on who's reviewing my case?
Basically, how screwed am I? Thank you much. |
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| Researcher (Monterey) |
on 29 Jun 2009 at 12:18 pm |
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Bill L. and Bill H., I'm currently working on a project about investigative interviews during the security clearance process from a 'real world' perspective.
Bill L. - I would appreciate any insights you have on gaining this perspective to ensure that my project reflects what's going on and what could or should (or shouldn't) be done. It's a tricky environment for gaining access but given my background in anthropology I'm aware of the need to express the beliefs of the 'culture' I'm studying--in this case investigators and, in addition, the needs of adjudicators.
Bill H. - Thanks for the continued great information. I look forward to reading more of your work in preparation for my report. If you have an opportunity to chat I'd really appreciate your additional insights about the process. I'm the new-kid-on-the-block so it's been a dive into the deep end on the whole thing! I also have a mailbox in PG and can drop a line via the publisher?
THANK YOU! |
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| Pgh44 (Pittsburgh) |
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:19 am |
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How can I get a security clearance?
I was told that I can't get one unless sponsored by a company. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 16 Jun 2009 at 7:19 pm |
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| Bill L: So what I hear you saying is that the information in my article is not outdated nor irrelevant--you just disagree with PERSEREC's supplemental recommended guidance for adjudicators. By the way, the article does address the Bond Amendment. Specifically the article states, "Under federal law (Section 3002 of 50 U.S.C. 435b) a current user of illegal drugs can not be granted a security clearance." Section 3002 of 50 U.S.C. 435b is the Bond Amendment. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 16 Jun 2009 at 10:23 am |
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Bill H.,
You are correct. The current adjudicative guidelines were approved by the President on 29 Dec 2005 and implemented by DoD effective 1 Sep 2006, except for SCI and Controlled Access Programs implemented by ICPG 704.2 effective 2 Oct 2008. However, the article and the ADR (which is too complex for most lay people to read/understand), imply (repeat imply) that marijuana and drug use other than marijuana are looked at differently. Additionally, I saw no reference to the provisdions of the Bond Ammement provisions for drug addiction. The adjudicative guidelines are what adjudicators use to help make determinations of individual's eligibility for a security clearance. The ADR needs updated with current trends/input from "real" adjudicators, not the info collected by personnel in support of PERSEREC projects. I have worked with PERSEREC teams and do not believe their outcomes reflect the real world. There are too many security projects that started as one person's conception, became their mission and eventually was forced upon the security world.
Bill L. |
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| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:40 am |
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Bill L: Perhaps you didn’t actually read the entire article. This articles uses information from the December 2005 Adjudicative Guidelines. It is the most current one. The article does not say that the Adjudicative Guidelines differentiate between marijuana and other illegals drugs. The article says that the September 2007 Adjudicative Desk Reference, produced by the Defense Personnel Security Research Center, differentiates between marijuana and other illegal drugs and suggests periods of abstinence.
The December 2005 Adjudicative Guidelines and the September 2007 Adjudicative Desk Reference are posted at the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals websbite. If you believe a more recent Adjudicative Guideline exists, please identify it for us. |
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| Anonymous567 (New York) |
on 12 Jun 2009 at 10:15 pm |
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| I took Adderall 2 times last semester and earned As on both exams. I have since graduated college and have a security clearance. I have an interview coming up next month, what should I do? I know that I should be completely honest and I will, but will that affect my clearance at all or a higher clearance? I appreciate your thoughts please. Thank you. |
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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 09 Jun 2009 at 9:35 am |
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| The information in this article is outdated and no longer relevant. I am a retired personnel security adjudicator with 29 years experience at a DoD CAF. The current guidelines no longer differentiate between cannabis and other drugs nor do they specify a level of use (experimental, regular, habitual). This article needs updated to reflect current guidelines and help your readers. |
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| Joseph Bradley Lizyness (Chesapeake Virginia) |
on 21 May 2009 at 1:21 pm |
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| I'm a bodybuilder and have a TS in the Army. I think steroids shouldn't even be illegal. If I want to do steroids it should have NO impact on anyone. Steroids are now a class III scheduled drug which is retarded but whatever. |
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| Anonymous (Unkown) |
on 17 May 2009 at 12:30 am |
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| I used drugs during high school and directly after. Then I joined the military. It changed my life. I am an outstanding soldier, serving two tours in Iraq. I have not done any drugs since joining. I'm trying to get a clearance and am still paying for my wrongs close to 9 years ago. People do change, I did. I would love to have a job busting drug dealers and gang bangers. After a 3 year tour on active duty I came home to see many old friends wasting their lives. Sometimes people need to experience both sides of the fence to see how they want to live their lives. I deserve a clearance so I can further my purpose on this planet. |
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| Advisor (Home) |
on 15 May 2009 at 8:01 pm |
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Susan, not to be rude but your age may be a big factor in receiving a clearance at this point. Considering you're living in an area that is widely sought for clearances, if you didn't have one before and your skills can't be found anywhere else, it'll be difficult to have a company pay for one. Now if you're applying for a GS position it might be different.
There was an article that said about 60% of the workforce will be retiring from the D.C. area. That leaves security clearance jobs open to people that have an active status and are in their 20s or 30s. Companies want to invest in younger people. It's the unfortunate truth. Best of luck to you. |
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| Meg P (Houston) |
on 11 May 2009 at 4:02 pm |
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Problems with the use of illegal drugs stem from their unpredictable content, long term propensity to cause neurochemical imbalances: lingering after effects (specifically psychotropic episodes/flashbacks), and the individuals a user may become associated with whether intentionally or unintentionally when consuming illegal substances. If an individual actively chooses to disregard laws by taking illegal drugs or illegally using prescription drugs without knowing what chemicals may be in them, or what they may be doing to their mind/body, and/or putting themselves at risk by associating with criminals, they are not likely to be trustworthy; not strong candidates for clearance. Legalization of some drugs may regulate unpredictable content but would not change an individual's propensity to disregard laws they simply don't feel the need to abide by.
Susan don't give up hope outright, each individual situation is different, you need to discuss the specifics with your security manager and keep in mind that as Eric said, "it really comes down to how it affected your behavior." |
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| Eric (USA) |
on 05 May 2009 at 2:51 pm |
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An excerpt from <a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/news.php?articleID=59">Alcohol Consumption and Security Clearances</a> below:
"When does drinking become a security concern? Alcohol is legal and its consumption, regardless of quantity, does not by itself trigger a security concern. Alcohol consumption becomes a concern when there has been:
•Alcohol-related incident or other evidence of impaired judgment or misconduct while under the influence of alcohol.
•Negative impact on work/school performance, finances, personal or professional relationships.
•Failure to comply with court-ordered alcohol education, evaluation, treatment, or abstinence.
•Diagnosis of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence by a qualified medical professional.
•Relapse after completion of an alcohol treatment program."
It really comes down to how it affected your behavior. |
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| Susan Straka (Falls Church, VA) |
on 05 May 2009 at 2:26 pm |
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I was an habitual alcoholic for many years and am now in my first year of sobriety. I never used any other drugs. Should I give up all hope of ever getting a clearance - I'm 52.
Thanks. I don't want to waste any more time. |
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| CA Nobody (San Diego) |
on 02 May 2009 at 10:59 pm |
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| The clearance situation is a total mess. The drug law situation is a total mess. We all need to refuse to convict, such as what brought down alcohol prohibition. Maybe then the politicos might get a clue. Who cares if somebody smokes God's wonderful plants? |
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