Underage drinking and the polygraph

I have a friend who got appointed to the academy and he has gone to a few parties in high school. He told me he only did it once, and it was about 12 oz. It was not on any record. He did not tell admissions. Will he be ok? I'm really worried for him.
Thanks

This should not be an issue at all, but he/she should be truthful on the questionnaires. In the long run, the military may require pretty thorough background checks for top secret clearances, including polygraphs.

My DS was truthful about underage alcohol and marijuana use. He passed DoDMERB and is an Army ROTC scholarship winner.

The truth will set you free.

usafagirl99 said:

I have a friend who got appointed to the academy and he has gone to a few parties in high school. He told me he only did it once, and it was about 12 oz. It was not on any record. He did not tell admissions. Will he be ok? I'm really worried for him.
Thanks

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I would be very worried too if I were him. Quite frankly, he should have told Admissions a long time ago. In that case, it probably wouldn't have been a big deal at all. Now, it could have negative effects, but in a few years, those potential consequences will be even worse. Like AROTC-dad said, this could come up on polygraphs when he goes for his TS or above, and could substantially damage his career.

If I were him, I would just be honest with my Admissions Counselor and admit that I hadn't been forthright about underage drinking. Whether or not he will keep his appointment, I can't say, but regardless, I'm sure he will have learned a lesson from it. And if he keeps his appointment, he will be able to enter BCT knowing he still has his honor and deserves his spot.

I apologize if this sounded a little harsh, but your friend should practice living honorably now if he hopes to be a good cadet and officer one day. Good luck to the both of you.

Obviously, being honest is the best thing. But there are a few things to know about underage drinking. It is 100% state law and not federal. Why does that matter? Because depending on the state, will determine the conditions. I am not stating this specifically for your example, but for others who may read this thread and their situation may be different.

For instance, in some states, like wyoming where I live, it is totally legal for a minor to drink alcohol, as long as they have their parents or legal guardians permission, and the parent or legal guardian is physically with them. Whether at home or a party or a neighbors house, etc. Also if the minor is married and their spouse is 21 and is with them. Many states have their own exemptions. It's a state law, not federal. Of course the Feds push laws like purchasing and possession to minors to the states or extort the states by withholding federal funds. By the states are allowed and do make exemptions. Know your states laws.