JAG question Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm interested in JAG and previously received an offer for a summer position with them. When asked about prior drug use I said no but I used some previously. I no longer do though the use was within the last year. I'm around people who use it, but I don't. I struggled with some heavy personal issues and thought it would help, but ultimately, have decided it is not worth it for me. Now I am in and going through a security clearance, and feel compelled to admit to the previous use. Would it be better to be honest even though one of my initial applications said no to illegal drug use in one box or should I just keep consistent? I'm most worried about polygraphs, security clearance, etc. This is my dream job, and I would hate for some previous rough times to get in the way. It may be stupid, but I didn't realize at the time I filled out the form that weed would be what they are talking about with the drug use because its so normalized and medically legal where I live(d).

Please lay off the judgmental or condescending comments. Everyone makes mistakes and has a past. I don't have a record and didn't do anything else - it was something to help me through PTSD from sexual assault. I realize now it won't change the fact of rape, and I don't do it now.

[owlofminerva]

This is a tough one. For starters, I can tell you that you won't have to worry about a polygraph. Those typically are only used when you require a Top Secret with access to very sensitive information (even most Top Secrets in the military are never polygraphed). That said, you will have to go through a security clearance investigation as JAGS are commissioned officers and all officers are required to have at least a secret level clearance. That said, a secret clearance is not particularly difficult to get.

In answer to your question, I am admittedly one of those "honesty is best" people. In this area, it is a lot easier to handle with things when you are truthful about it, and incredibly difficult if the lie is uncovered by the investigators. I just say answering it truthfully and hope for the best.

Do you remember what form you filled out for the summer position? Was it a full SF-86 or some very minor form? If it was minor, there is a chance there may not be a permanent record of that investigation. If it was something like a full SF-86, then there is a greater chance of them seeing the discrepancy between the two. In either case, I would just check the "yes" on drug use and go from there.

One last note, from my time helping people with security clearance checks in the military, one of the key factors is going to be the amount of time since you last used. If your last use was very recent (say, last five years), getting a clearance is going to be a lot harder for you.

[dead head]

One last note, from my time helping people with security clearance checks in the military, one of the key factors is going to be the amount of time since you last used. If your last use was very recent (say, last five years), getting a clearance is going to be a lot harder for you.

It's easy to have missed it given the eye-bleeding use of underline, but she says that "the use was within the last year."

I honestly think OP will have a tough time being honest (which is the only thing she should be) and then trying to explain the discrepancy on earlier application materials on the basis that she didn't think pot was illegal because medicinal usage was legal within her state at the time. Maybe this would be an argument if she had a prescription, but otherwise this would be like saying you thought it was OK to self-medicate on the prescription drug oxycontin.

[Anonymous User]

One last note, from my time helping people with security clearance checks in the military, one of the key factors is going to be the amount of time since you last used. If your last use was very recent (say, last five years), getting a clearance is going to be a lot harder for you.

It's easy to have missed it given the eye-bleeding use of underline, but she says that "the use was within the last year."

I honestly think OP will have a tough time being honest (which is the only thing she should be) and then trying to explain the discrepancy on earlier application materials on the basis that she didn't think pot was illegal because medicinal usage was legal within her state at the time. Maybe this would be an argument if she had a prescription, but otherwise this would be like saying you thought it was OK to self-medicate on the prescription drug oxycontin.

I apologize for the underlining. I understand it is pretty stupid logic, but I was not very educated on how these laws affect illegality. Obviously, being in law school now, I get how stupid that logic was now. The original form was just a screening application form - not a clearance form. Now, this would be part of a clearance form SF86 post-acceptance, though I'm not sure it even addresses questions on drug use. I did not openly participate in smoking with a bunch of people - rather it was in a very small crowd of my ex and a couple close friends. Most people don't know I have done it at all, nor do I intend to publicize it. It wasn't the best moment in my life, especially considering it was meant to be a coping mechanism for an awful life event. But, I've come to realize, I'd rather cope with things without the use of medicine of any sort. This is just a frustrating situation in general. :/