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| Drug Involvement and Security Clearances |
by 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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| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 19 Nov 2009 at 11:38 am |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Oct 2009 at 7:53 am |
|
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. |
|
| Anon (Washington DC) |
on 15 Oct 2009 at 2:51 am |
|
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. |
|
| Ed Bradley (Falls Church) |
on 14 Oct 2009 at 8:30 am |
|
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... |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 13 Oct 2009 at 8:45 am |
|
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. |
|
| DC Native (Washington DC) |
on 11 Oct 2009 at 4:52 am |
|
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?? |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 4:23 pm |
|
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. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 4:01 pm |
|
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. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 3:41 pm |
|
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.” |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 09 Oct 2009 at 3:26 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Paul (los angeles) |
on 06 Oct 2009 at 6:29 pm |
|
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. |
|
| USMS FCIP Applicant (south west) |
on 05 Oct 2009 at 11:52 pm |
|
| 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??? |
|
| anonymous (USA) |
on 05 Oct 2009 at 9:43 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Question (USA) |
on 05 Oct 2009 at 3:01 pm |
|
| 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? |
|
| Nervous in MD (Annapolis Maryland) |
on 04 Oct 2009 at 12:02 pm |
|
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? |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Oct 2009 at 12:14 pm |
|
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. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 30 Sep 2009 at 8:25 pm |
|
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. |
|
| College Kid (North Carolina) |
on 29 Sep 2009 at 1:31 pm |
|
| 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? |
|
| DOD Guy (USA) |
on 25 Sep 2009 at 11:01 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Scadam (New York) |
on 25 Sep 2009 at 7:22 am |
|
| Bill -- Thank You - it has been bugging me since this usage denied me a FBI support position recently. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 24 Sep 2009 at 11:11 pm |
|
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Curious (DC) |
on 22 Sep 2009 at 9:18 pm |
|
| Thanks |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 11:13 pm |
|
DOD guy:
Absent any other problems or aggravating circumstance, I think you have a good chance of getting a Secret clearance. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:46 pm |
|
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. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:40 pm |
|
| Scadam: No. |
|
| William Henderson (Pacific Grove, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 10:38 pm |
|
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). |
|
| unemployed (NY) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 9:56 pm |
|
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? |
|
| Wanna Arab Linguist (San Francisco, CA) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 8:33 pm |
|
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? |
|
| Curious (DC) |
on 21 Sep 2009 at 4:46 pm |
|
| 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? |
|
| Scadam (New York) |
on 18 Sep 2009 at 5:42 pm |
|
| 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? |
|
| Michele (Arlington) |
on 18 Sep 2009 at 7:18 am |
|
| Oh, and just so folks know, the lawyer tells me it will cost between $7000 and $15000 to resolve this issue and defend myself. |
|
| Michele (Arlington) |
on 18 Sep 2009 at 7:08 am |
|
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. |
|
| DOD guy (USA) |
on 17 Sep 2009 at 8:52 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Hola (USA) |
on 17 Sep 2009 at 12:59 pm |
|
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.. |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Sep 2009 at 11:39 am |
|
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. |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 15 Sep 2009 at 11:31 am |
|
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. |
|
| Eric (ClearanceJobs) |
on 14 Sep 2009 at 11:09 am |
|
gunnergrl,
See: http://www.clearancejobs.com/security_clearance_faq.pdf
Under "How can I get a copy of my clearance investigation?" on page 10. |
|
| gunnergrl (san diego) |
on 12 Sep 2009 at 2:42 pm |
|
| 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? |
|
| Michele (Arlington ) |
on 12 Sep 2009 at 1:23 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Daniel (Syracuse, NY) |
on 10 Sep 2009 at 2:36 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 10 Sep 2009 at 11:22 am |
|
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. |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 10 Sep 2009 at 11:16 am |
|
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. |
|
| Daniel (Syracuse, NY) |
on 08 Sep 2009 at 10:58 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Concerned |
on 08 Sep 2009 at 10:20 pm |
|
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? |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 08 Sep 2009 at 2:16 pm |
|
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. |
|
| Concerned |
on 04 Sep 2009 at 10:31 am |
|
| 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. |
|
| Amanda (Kentucky) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 6:34 pm |
|
| 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? |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 11:41 am |
|
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. |
|
| Bill L. (Annapolis, MD) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 11:34 am |
|
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. |
|
| drew (baltimore) |
on 01 Sep 2009 at 1:01 am |
|
| 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? |
|
| 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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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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