Advice?

Afa13 · May 26, 2009

Ok so I recieved an offer of appointment and accepted. I'm filling out the security clearance packet and I'm going to check yes on the illegal drug usage question. I have tried marajuana, but it was one puff and I thought I was going to die it burned so bad. It was embarassing and I understand it was wrong and I'm not friends with the guys who were doing it any more etc. What happens now? Do they just drug test me a lot more while I'm up there? Or do I make a statement about the incident? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

flieger83 · May 26, 2009

Afa13 said:
Ok so I recieved an offer of appointment and accepted. I'm filling out the security clearance packet and I'm going to check yes on the illegal drug usage question. I have tried marajuana, but it was one puff and I thought I was going to die it burned so bad. It was embarassing and I understand it was wrong and I'm not friends with the guys who were doing it any more etc. What happens now? Do they just drug test me a lot more while I'm up there? Or do I make a statement about the incident? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Do exactly what you just said.

"Experimentation" (the casual onesy, maybeee twosey) with marijuana will not destroy your dreams.

Okay...if you said "I experimented a time or two..." and it turns out to be 1-2 YEARS, you've got a problem.

The BIG deal is if you do NOT reveal this!!! Then all SORTS of nasty things can happen to you...

Your ALO should be able to discuss this with you as well.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Christcorp · May 26, 2009

Steve; question. I don't have the applications in front of me or any of the other paper work. During the application process, didn't it ask some place about any drug use? I can't quite remember. I could find out, but I figure you'd have it in front of you some place. I thought it did. IF SO; my question is, how did AFA13 answer this question previously during the application phase? Maybe it isn't asked. Maybe it was a general personal question during interviews. Can't remember. later... mike....

btown13 · May 26, 2009

we had to sign and submit the drug and alcohol abuse form as part of the main application. can't remember what they defined "abuse" as, however, whether it be one time or long term use

starvinmarvin_09 · May 26, 2009

There were a few questions regarding substance abuse in the DoDMERB process. As for the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Form, i though it basically was, "I won't do it anymore". Besides, we will have to resign it on I-day.

Christcorp · May 27, 2009

I am sure you all are correct. The point/reason I was making was for Afa13's post. If he filled out the application truthfully; then he already answered this question. And the air force academy still offered him an appointment. Now, if filling out the security clearance portion of the acceptance forms makes him concerned; I'm saying he shouldn't be concerned with answering the form honestly. After all, he honestly answered it in the application stage, and they still offered him an appointment. There's nothing they can do negatively for answering honestly. They already know.

megafonethat · May 27, 2009

I'm in a bit of a worse situation I think. My mom helped me complete some of my paperwork for the application process. For the DoDMERB questionnaire, she read me the questions and I answered and signed. When it came to the drug question, I was too ashamed to tell her, so I said no. It was the wrong thing to do, but if what you guys are saying about the abuse thing is correct then it might have been an honest answer anyway. Either way I can't do much about it now except demonstrate honesty on everything else from now on. For my security clearance, I'm checking that I used marijuana (a couple years ago around 10 times over the course of about three months :frown:

).

I guess my first questions is how bad will they consider that? I wouldn't call that a habit, but I'm not sure if the military considers that more than just experimentation.

Also, will they nail me for inconsistency for putting it on one form and not another? Will there be anyone I can talk to before or during BCT just to clarify/apologize? I know I'm not in the best situation, but I figure it would be better to try to straighten things out than to just ignore it.

hornetguy · May 27, 2009

megafonethat said:
I'm in a bit of a worse situation I think. My mom helped me complete some of my paperwork for the application process. For the DoDMERB questionnaire, she read me the questions and I answered and signed. When it came to the drug question, I was too ashamed to tell her, so I said no. It was the wrong thing to do, but if what you guys are saying about the abuse thing is correct then it might have been an honest answer anyway. Either way I can't do much about it now except demonstrate honesty on everything else from now on. For my security clearance, I'm checking that I used marijuana (a couple years ago around 10 times over the course of about three months ).

I guess my first questions is how bad will they consider that? I wouldn't call that a habit, but I'm not sure if the military considers that more than just experimentation.

Also, will they nail me for inconsistency for putting it on one form and not another? Will there be anyone I can talk to before or during BCT just to clarify/apologize? I know I'm not in the best situation, but I figure it would be better to try to straighten things out than to just ignore it.

When you arrive for inprocessing, you are placed in a room with some other basics, and you will do the drug/alcohol form again. Since your situation isn't isolated, they provide the chance to fess up again without punishment, assuming your use isn't heinous.