Drug Use

C

civvie

Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2023
Messages
11
Assuming the rest of my history is crystal clean, will the use of marijuana and alcohol when I was a junior and senior in high school prevent me from getting a secret security clearance for West Point? Here is more context:

1. Nature and frequency of use: Two or three times per year for the past two years for drinking and smoking/edibles at social gatherings.
2. Time elapsed since the last use: Alcohol was about a year ago and Marijuana was around six months ago
3. Circumstance: Social or family gatherings. I've never gotten black out drunk, nor have I attempted to drive while under the influence.
4. Rehabilitation: None seemed necessary.

I know my behavior was less than ideal and is not conducive to becoming a leader of character. But, I believe the first step to getting back on the right track is through honesty. Additionally, a definitive answer would be nice and if one can not be given, please let me know what additional information I could add to make the situation more clear.

Thank you for your help and God Bless.
 
For context, are you at West Point now, have you been appointed for this upcoming class, or are you thinking about applying?
 
A1Janitor said:
Did you report everything accurately in the application process?
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Apparently I failed to do so as I interpreted drug use as drug abuse. I should have taken the time to fill out the form with my FFR, but I was in a hurry to get the form done — stupid, I know.
 
We see these questions every year. Read the SF-86 very carefully, and answer honestly. The military understands that people with “teen” in their age often do experimental things without thinking long-term or are vulnerable to peer pressure.

If you answer honestly, you won’t have to remember to lie consistently in future. Since you were not a one-time user and it was in social settings, there are other people who know about it, and these things have a way of getting out. Answer with the truth and be done with it.

I hope you filled out your DoDMERB medical questionnaire accurately.
 
I got an appointment to USNA and USAFA. I went through the same process only I used after I completed the drug use form on the initial application. It's okay dont sweat it. Write to admissions what happened, They should respond either with nothing or a list of questions they would like for you to expand on. Just be honest as possible please. Take responsibility for your actions. DM me if you need help with anything directly
 
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Capt MJ said:
We see these questions every year. Read the SF-86 very carefully, and answer honestly. The military understands that people with “teen” in their age often do experimental things without thinking long-term or are vulnerable to peer pressure.

If you answer honestly, you won’t have to remember to lie consistently in future. Since you were not a one-time user and it was in social settings, there are other people who know about it, and these things have a way of getting out. Answer with the truth and be done with it.

I hope you filled out your DoDMERB medical questionnaire accurately.
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Definitely going to be open and honest about everything, I just want to mentally prepare myself for the consequences. As stated in the above, I did not fill out the Marijuana and Alcohol portions accurately. I thought DoDMERB were more so concerned about drug abuse or addiction rather than experimentation, so I didn't feel it necessary to open up a huge can of worms by answering in the affirmative. So given all of this, will West Point let me go? I'm a good kid, but I've also been a stupid kid.
 
flyhigh908 said:
I got an appointment to USNA and USAFA. I went through the same process only I used after I completed the drug use form on the initial application. It's okay dont sweat it. Write to admissions what happened, They should respond either with nothing or a list of questions they would like for you to expand on. Just be honest as possible please. Take responsibility for your actions. DM me if you need help with anything directly
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That would be great, thank you.
 
Posting a partial image for the benefit of Class of 2028 people starting the process, of a typical military/DoD medical history form and Section 23 of the SF-86 security form. The medical history form asks very clearly “have you ever” or “do you now” use specific drugs and alcohol, and provides space for explanations. A succinct description of experimental usage is all that is needed. Do not indulge in “magical thinking” to slip around something you don’t like answering about yourself. Just be honest from the start, and you will avoid later worries, churning gut and embarrassed explanations later, hoping you will be allowed to continue. The military tolerates some degree of flawed youthful decision-making; less so for deliberate untruths.

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And from the SF-86 security clearance form, another yes/no within the last 7 years.

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Capt MJ said:
Posting a partial image for the benefit of Class of 2028 people starting the process, of a typical military/DoD medical history form. The medical history form asks very clearly “have you ever” or “do you now” use specific drugs and alcohol, and provides space for explanations. A succinct description of experimental usage is all that is needed. Do not indulge in “magical thinking” to slip around something you don’t like answering about yourself. Just be honest from the start, and you will avoid later worries, churning gut and embarrassed explanations later, hoping you will be allowed to continue. The military tolerates some degree of flawed youthful decision-making; less so for deliberate untruths.

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So does this mean I should be prepared to be kicked out before R-Day? If so, I understand, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I would just like to know, so I can start preparing to my alternative options.
 
civvie said:
So does this mean I should be prepared to be kicked out before R-Day? If so, I understand, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I would just like to know, so I can start preparing to my alternative options.
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You are doing all the right things by thinking about this. No one here can tell you exactly what will happen, but all is not lost. Note my post was meant for people who haven’t started the cycle yet, so they can be aware of this going in.

Call or contact USMA Admissions today, Organize your thoughts, and clearly express remorse, that you inaccurately responded to a form during the application process regarding drug and alcohol use, that you did use X experimentally. See what they say and what they ask for. I know USNA has what I think is called a “character board” to review these kinds of issues of drugs, alcohol, misconduct, etc. I expect USMA Admissions has their own process. The longer you let this go, the less fun it gets. Step up, own it, call today, They will not be surprised. You will immediately feel better, because the weight of dishonesty is being lifted, showing you do indeed have a moral compass. They know this call will be hard for you, and it took maturity and a sense of doing the right thing to call.

Let us know how it goes. There is no human being who is perfect and who has not made mistakes, big or little. Keep an open mind and do the right thing.
 
Capt MJ said:
You are doing all the right things by thinking about this.no one here can tell you exactly what will happen, but all is not lost. Note my post was meant for people who haven’t started the cycle yet, so they can be aware of this going in.

Call or contact USMA Admissions today, Organize your thoughts, and clearly express remorse, that you inaccurately responded to a form during the application process regarding drug and alcohol use, that you did use X experimentally. See what they say and what they ask for. I know USNA has what I think is called a “character board” to review these kinds of issues of drugs, alcohol, misconduct, etc. I expect USMA Admissions has their own process. The longer you let this go, the less fun it gets. Step up, own it, call today, They will not be surprised. You will immediately feel better, because the weight of dishonesty is being lifted, showing you do indeed have a moral compass. They know this call will be hard for you, and it took maturity and a sense of doing the right thing to call.

Let us know how it goes. There is no human being who is perfect and who has not made mistakes, big or little. Keep an open mind and do the right thing.
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Thank you sir. I really do want to be better because I feel in my heart that I can provide a great service to the nation. I'll update this post on the outcomes. God Bless.
 
civvie said:
Thank you sir. I really do want to be better because I feel in my heart that I can provide a great service to the nation. I'll update this post on the outcomes. God Bless.
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You just made a good leap in personal growth. There is something in you that felt called to by USMA and military service and associated values. Cheering you on.
 
A1Janitor said:
For future posters - Capt MJ is a ma’am.

The subtle clue that she is a woman - she is the absolute best. :)
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Thanks A1, but my feet of clay are very real and occasionally extend to knees, hips and shoulders. I do try to not be a complete clay head, though. 🤣
 
You really need to address this issue with pure honesty. We all make mistakes and the best thing you can do is take responsibility and be honest.

This may sound critical, however you need to get better at paying attention to details. As A1Janitor points out CaptMJ is a ma’am. There are subtle hints that she is a female. Reading her responses clearly shows that she is one of the best officers and compassionate people on SAF.

The other detail you missed is on the DoD medical history form. “Have You Ever Or Do You Now Use Any Of The Following:” Yes/No are the only two answers. You made an assumption that the statement equates to abuse. Don’t assume, if you have a question ask, the only stupid question asked is the one that is not asked.

As for the security clearance you need to set that aside and get the alcohol & drug issue sorted out. Let the security clearance chip fall where it may. Keep your head up.

Best of luck to you!
 
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