academy entrance drug test

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chipshandon

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this is my first post on this website. I was offered my appointment back in november and have been really excited, USMA is really the only school I have been looking at. I know that when I enter the academy I will be subject to a drug test. Today my teacher mentioned that it is a hair drug test, and that all drug use within 3 years will show up. Is this true? I smoked pot a few times over the summer, but haven't since my I received my appointment and dont plan on ever again, especially during my military career.
 
My guys have always been given urinalysis tests. If you have not used anything since last summer and continue not to do so, you should be fine.
 
What about the honor code and their drug statement forms? You'll have to either fess up with an explanation of how you'll never use drugs again or lie.
 
Maximus said:
What about the honor code and their drug statement forms? You'll have to either fess up with an explanation of how you'll never use drugs again or lie.
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What do you mean? DoDMerb asked if i Had ever used marijuana, at the time I had not so I put no. Do I have to make statements at west Point and if i say yes will i be seperated? It was a really dumb thing to do and I really regret it now.
 
First you are not held to the honor code until you take the oath.

I don't recall there being a drug statement in the acceptance packet. If there is one you need to be truthful.
That said - all New Cadet are tested for drugs within 72 hours of their arrival. Those who test positive will be separated.

Additionally - what you and all New Cadets should know -
the use of illegal drugs is not condoned at USMA. The Academy is charged with enforcing regulations dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. If you are caught/suspected of using drugs you will go before a board.
Illegal possession or use may be cause for prosecution under the UCMJ and separation.
 
Just_A_Mom said:
First you are not held to the honor code until you take the oath.

I don't recall there being a drug statement in the acceptance packet. If there is one you need to be truthful.
That said - all New Cadet are tested for drugs within 72 hours of their arrival. Those who test positive will be separated.

Additionally - what you and all New Cadets should know -
the use of illegal drugs is not condoned at USMA. The Academy is charged with enforcing regulations dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. If you are caught/suspected of using drugs you will go before a board.
Illegal possession or use may be cause for prosecution under the UCMJ and separation.
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No, you're not held to the honor code before you take the oath but, they do ask you to be truthful in your application and I'd imagine they'll have you sign a paper before the West Point drug test stating that you don't use drugs. If they do take a hair sample, it can show drug usage for years back, and that might indicate that you lied and would not be able to get a security clearance later. After signing the drug statement, you should have known it was a big deal to smoke pot and get an appointment so this shouldn't be a surprise.

Please understand, I'm not trying to judgmental or sound threatening at all, I'm just pointing out some of the scenarios you might face. I really don't know what the test is, or if they ask but, I'd assume they will if they are drug testing you and I'm pretty sure they'll ask when you fill out your security clearance papers.
 
chipshandon

you're fine. you're not gonna be 'found out' b/c of your experience over last summer, in my opinion no need for regrets, you followed dodmerb protocal and there was never a point within the usma application that asked about illicit substance use. don't do it again, and you won't have to worry about a thing. how do i know this? i don't, but i'll give you a 100 bucks come R-Day if you get 'caught', my common sense has me all over this one
 
There are security clearance papers that will need to be filed as a Plebe. I know for my clearance there were drug use questions. I'm not sure if the same questions are asked for the Army Clearances.

Thurl
 
I just joined and I was wondering on what is the USMA stance on past marijuana use? I have used it before and I'm only 15 now. I've been wanting to go there for awhile. I get honors and participated in 3 sports this year in school but will the marijuana make me ineligible?
 
I was always wondering if you were somewhere where people were smoking once and there was second hand smoke...will that even come up? do i have to tell them that? also, my neighbor smokes pot and i have my window open and i can smell it when he does it...does this force me to say anything?
 
dont worry about secondhand smoke. that makes no sense at all.

Oh and I discovered the best policy everyone!!!

How about you just dont smoke pot? Hmmm good idea maybe?
 
yes yes i do not smoke, i was just worried because for cigarettes second hand smoke is bad so i was just thinking if it would come up
 
I wouldn't think second hand would count. Because second hand smoke is in so many places. It would kind of be bad if you were walking around town, turned a corner into a puff of smoke, and were DQ'd.
 
wyko33 said:
I just joined and I was wondering on what is the USMA stance on past marijuana use? I have used it before and I'm only 15 now. I've been wanting to go there for awhile. I get honors and participated in 3 sports this year in school but will the marijuana make me ineligible?
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West Point frowns on breaking the law. Sounds like you make very poor choices for yourself. You will need to disclose past drug use for medical information and security clearance. Probably need to start making some better decisions. It doesn't matter if you "get honors" and participate in 3 sports if you can't meet West Point's character requirements. Way too many clean, cream-of-the-crop candidates to choose from who don't use drugs.
 
First off no it wasnt breaking the law its decriminalized. Second who are you to judge my choices, mistakes or decisions? I came here looking for help on that matter because i realized it was a mistake and im worried it will completely ruin my chances so instead of just ripping into me why dont you offer some actual help instead of trying to make me feel horrible. Im proud of my country and would love to serve it thats why i want to go there so please dont tell me i need to make better decisions when i can guarantee you arent perfect. can anyone else please help me on this matter? I honestly want to know if my chances are ruined now and if they are could i still go to ROTC or is that a no go to?
 
wyko33 said:
First off no it wasnt breaking the law its decriminalized. Second who are you to judge my choices, mistakes or decisions? I came here looking for help on that matter because i realized it was a mistake and im worried it will completely ruin my chances so instead of just ripping into me why dont you offer some actual help instead of trying to make me feel horrible. Im proud of my country and would love to serve it thats why i want to go there so please dont tell me i need to make better decisions when i can guarantee you arent perfect. can anyone else please help me on this matter? I honestly want to know if my chances are ruined now and if they are could i still go to ROTC or is that a no go to?
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Why get mad at an anonymous person here? You'll be asked if you've ever taken (smoked pot) drugs in the past when you take your DoDMERB physical application. You'll have to lie and say: no. That or come up with an explanation why you smoked pot. It's X+that or nothing. No need to get mad at anyone here.
 
Funny....West Point has a big problem with lying also. You cannot lie on your application or your National Security clearance paperwork. Wyko33, sounds like you are fine with the poor decisions you made so I won't bother answering your post anymore. I suggest you take your question to Admissions or post a question in the DoDMERB section of this forum. You also might want to read up on West Point's mission of producing Army officers of character. Also read the section entitled "Start Young." By the way, ALL college applications ask you about past drug use and THEY don't like people lying either.
 
chipshandon said:
this is my first post on this website. I was offered my appointment back in november and have been really excited, USMA is really the only school I have been looking at. I know that when I enter the academy I will be subject to a drug test. Today my teacher mentioned that it is a hair drug test, and that all drug use within 3 years will show up. Is this true? I smoked pot a few times over the summer, but haven't since my I received my appointment and dont plan on ever again, especially during my military career.
Click to expand...

Just a thought. . .I wonder if this person hasn't entered this exchange with the intention of simply stirring things up. :confused: This is not their 1st post and the other material they've posted has been quite controversial as well. Please note they mention being OFFERED an appointment but do not mention having ACCEPTED it. If they were ready to go on June 28, they would have been aware of the drug-use-related questions revisited/included in the security clearance documents required of the incoming candidates.
 
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