JAG question Forum

[Anonymous User]

I know different federal agencies have different standards regarding past behavior. How would JAG positions react to applicants with prior drug use, but no current use or use since early undergrad and no convictions/accusations.

I assume Jag positions and all federal positions have lie detector tests, although this could be wrong.

[lawschooliseasy]

I have no idea, but would guess that it would not be a problem. The background check/security clearance with most government positions focuses on susceptibility to blackmail and personal trustworthiness/credibility. I would imagine prior drug use would not affect that. If the government disqualified everyone with prior drug use, there would be tons of people without jobs, including the last several presidents.

[mala2]

umm no. They aren't going to lie detector test you! unless you're going for a secret squirrel job don't worry about that. The army does ask about former drug use on the entry forms, JAG probably does too. Most people have tried drugs. A lot of people checked yes. A lot of people lied and checked no. A couple people told the truth and checked no. If it was a long time ago and wasn't an ongoing issue it's not a big deal. If you can't remember who you smoked with, just check no and be done with it. You probably wouldn't believe the crazy sh*t people with clearances do.

[mala2]

If the government disqualified everyone with prior drug use, there would be tons of people without jobs, including the last several presidents.

exactly. I was just honest and I got a clearance no problem