Marijuana use. How confidential is the DODMERB

[ddrev456]

I am a senior beginning the ROTC scholarship process. As a sophomore, I made the stupid decision to try weed once or twice. I no longer do that anymore and I deeply regret my stupid experimental actions. That being said, I still did it. I have read some places that if you only did it 1 or 2 times its not worth putting it down. Other places say that lying is worse than smoking. Honestly it would eat away at me if I lied so I will 100% tell the truth when the time comes.
One thing I am worried about is the confidentiality of the DODMERB and the PMS interview regarding these topics. I am ashamed of my past and am ready to take responsibility for it but my parents have no idea that I've done anything bad. As I am only 17 years old, are my responses to the DODMERB and PMS interview available to my parents? Also how much will this effect my application? Do they ask about drugs in the interview? I was hoping to leave my mistake in the past without my parents knowing about it and move on with my life. I don't want this coming back to bite me later on.

This was pretty long so sorry about that. Thanks in advance

 

[Capt MJ]

Your instincts are right - tell the truth. Neither DODMERB or anyone reviewing your file will be surprised by experimental use by someone your age.

I don’t think parents see your application/forms unless you show them. It is usually a good idea to review the med history form with parents so you can be absolutely sure about what you are reporting, especially things that happened when you were young, and to ensure you don’t “over-report” by self-diagnosing.

Your parents love you. Your parents have likely done something without thinking when they were your age. What you are really afraid of is their disappointment. Think about practicing being an adult by relating the facts, your lessons learned, how you have handled subsequent situations and your resolve to make better choices in future. Ask for their love and understanding.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

. I have read some places that if you only did it 1 or 2 times its not worth putting it down.

Absolutely, 100% wrong.... if the question is "did you ever,,,,?", the answer is easy.

I don't want this coming back to bite me later on.

The time for worrying about that is past. Focus on what you can control.

Will it come up , will they ask questions, quite possibly. That being said, if it does, don't quibble ( ie. was it once, or twice, or more ?). Don't try to downplay it (i.e. " I didn't inhale......) . (As an aside, does anyone realize how stupid that sounds -if you are going to do it, you might as well do it right !). Tell the truth, the whole truth, and accept consequences . As a practical matter, it is unlikely there will be any significant impact and it will be considered experimenting. That said, the impact of doing it once you are in the Service is serious...so DON'T !

 

[justdoit19]

Your instincts are right - tell the truth. Neither DODMERB or anyone reviewing your file will be surprised by experimental use by someone your age.

I don’t think parents see your application/forms unless you show them. It is usually a good idea to review the med history form with parents so you can be absolutely sure about what you are reporting, especially things that happened when you were young, and to ensure you don’t “over-report” by self-diagnosing.

Your parents love you. Your parents have likely done something without thinking when they were your age. What you are really afraid of is their disappointment. Think about practicing being an adult by relating the facts, your lessons learned, how you have handled subsequent situations and your resolve to make better choices in future. Ask for their love and understanding.

I will add, as a Mom, they may not be surprised that it happened. The reason I say that it because parents are generally tuned in more than kids realize. We were also kids, too (looong ago, back in the black and white days!). Personally, my perspective is that I am grateful for these days of growing up when stupid things are done within the relative safety net of the home. As long as valuable lessons are/were learned. Verses living a sheltered life, and then throwing all caution to the wind once you leave home....where the consequences can be quite dire! I am NOT advocating for experimenting. I am saying, though that a student who has done XXX, and grown and learned now about what they are risking as far as their future, has learned a valuable lesson that will help them when opportunities perhaps present themselves in the future.

BTW, been through the medical process 3 times, and have never had access or been briefed on my son's medical review. You can have your parent go through the forms with you (HIGHLY recommended....), and then change the "use" answer after going through it with your parent (before submitting). Personally, I don't feel like as a parent I even need/want to know about things in the past. That is your own private business. Don't let this stop you from being honest with your DODMRB.

Also, don't beat yourself up about not being perfect! Everyone makes mistakes or bad choices. NO ONE is perfect!

 

[AROTC-dad]

My DS gave full disclosure four and a half years ago during the DoDMERB process. He was truthful of his very limited experimentation with MJ in high school and it did not hinder him from receiving an Army ROTC scholarship.

Most importantly, he is now a 2LT and never has to worry about a falsehood someday catching up to him.

 

[ddrev456]

Thanks for the responses. When will I have to disclose this? If I receive a scholarship, is it after I find that out?

 

[AROTC-dad]

When will I have to disclose this?

Whenever you are asked the question.

Usually after DoDMERB is initiated, which is after you are offered a scholarship for AROTC. It IS usually earlier if you are applying for an SA.

 

[NJROTC-CC]

For Navy ROTC there is a form called "Drug Statement for Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Application." Form NSTC 1533/101 is, as the name implies, part of the application for a NROTC scholarship. It asks:

Have you ever used LSD, Marijuana, sniffed glue or other hallucinogens, hypnotics, stimulants, or other known harmful
or habit forming drugs and/or chemicals? __ Yes __ No

And then:

If you answered "YES" to either question above, provide a detailed explanation below with the approximate times,
amounts taken, and period over which taken, and complete #3.

a. Type of drug(s) used:
b. Approximate number of times used:
c. Amount taken:
d. Method by which taken:
e. Inclusive dates of use (be specific):
f. Were you convicted or arrested for the drug use admitted?
g. Circumstances under which the drug use occurred such as experimentation, peer pressure, etc.

3. __ (Initial): I fully recognize the negative influence of drug abuse and categorically reject the abuse of drugs both now
and for the future.

So, it looks like you will have to make this disclosure even before you fill out the DD 2492 medical history form which also asks if you have ever used marijuana.

My advise is speak to your parents about this as soon as possible to "get it off your chest" so you don't have to keep worrying about it in the future.