I posted this question in a thread but haven't gotten any answers. I have been appointed to USNA, and was wondering if the fact that I've used marijuana 4 times 3 years ago will affect the chances of me getting a security clearance and keeping my appointment. I am pretty sure this would be alright if I enlisted, but are the rules for officers much more strict? Any info/insight would be much appreciated.
Marijuana experimentation- is 4 times too many?
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R3dhotchilipepp3r95
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As long as you are open and honest about it, there shouldn't be a problem. It's better to notify USNA now then later. Talk to your BGO and ask about it. My BGO specifically asked me if I had ever experimented with drugs before and such during my interview. USAFA makes their cadets sign a statement regarding drug/alcohol usage (AF Form 2030).
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You've got 8 posts in 4 threads in different forums talking about your weed use. I think if someone was was going to answer your question they would have done it by now.
Stealth_81
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Godandcountry
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While I can't speak to your specific situation related to service academies, I faced a similar situation back in the 80's. I was applying for a secret clearance related to work in the space program. I knew that being honest was the only option with more serious experimentation than what you indicate. I received the secret clearance but was told I had to go through a more stringent top secret clearance level of investigation due to my revealing of prior experimentation. I was told that through the process they were impressed with my candor and that they felt that made me a more trustworthy candidate than someone who was hiding or lying about similar things (which many people did. It was a difficult process, but I never doubted that being truthful was the right thing to do. Good luck.
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usna1985
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There is no "one size fits all answer." Nor is there a magic "number" of times.
Basically, in terms of admission, USNA looks at the totality of the circumstances. When did you use the drugs? Under what circumstances? Why did you continue to use? What age were you when you started and when you repeated? What caused you to stop? How have you learned from that experience such that you're not likely to repeat it?
There is a zero-tolerance policy for officers for ANY drug use while an officer. This applies to mids as well. One time and you're out. Thus, USNA is trying to figure out whether a "habitual user" has kicked the inclination/habit or is likely to repeat the activity and then be separated from the Navy -- in which case it's easier not to admit that person in the first place.
Basically, in terms of admission, USNA looks at the totality of the circumstances. When did you use the drugs? Under what circumstances? Why did you continue to use? What age were you when you started and when you repeated? What caused you to stop? How have you learned from that experience such that you're not likely to repeat it?
There is a zero-tolerance policy for officers for ANY drug use while an officer. This applies to mids as well. One time and you're out. Thus, USNA is trying to figure out whether a "habitual user" has kicked the inclination/habit or is likely to repeat the activity and then be separated from the Navy -- in which case it's easier not to admit that person in the first place.