Prior Marijuana Usage

[Bikerkid3]

Around a year ago, I applied for USAFA. On the DoDMERB I took at the time, they asked about prior marijuana usage. I put no, as that was the truth at the time. However, I did not get into the Academy. After that I did not have a desire to reapply for USAFA after and thought that was the end. Because of this circumstance, I experimented with marijuana one time after this time period.
I then enrolled in college and thought I would just get my degree and join the workforce. However, I found out more and more about the AFROTC program offered and eventually wanted to try it. I joined the program and absolutely love it and now want to try this commissioning source.
When filling out paperwork however, when asked again about prior marijuana usage, I said I experimented with it once (a decision that I regret and something I will never do again). I then found out that because my DoDMERB hasn't expired, I could transfer it to be on file with this AFROTC Detachment. However, because at the time of my DoDMERB, I put down that I never used Marijuana and then at the time of enrolling in AFROTC, I put that I have experimented, is this a DQ?
I understand that integrity is the best way to go and I answered truthfully for both. However, because there is a different on paper, will this DQ me and they will think I lied?

 

[Herman_Snerd]

If I read this correctly you did not lie. You told the truth twice - once stating you had never used an illegal drug, which was factual in HS, and later stating you had used drugs once when that was factual in present day. Sounds like high integrity, not a lack of integrity issue to me. As long as your story stands-up and is accurate, then I see no reason for concern. There is a freedom with the truth and a simplicity you should enjoy. I hope you put the date to clarify when you experimented, so there is no room for confusion as to why you have 2 different answers then and now.

Remember that you are not defined by your mistakes, or failures. We all have had / made them. But you can define yourself now on how you move forward, how you can be counted on.

I think you need to be aware that prior drug use itself could be an issue. But that's not your question, so I won't say more.

In the meantime, stay away from drugs if this is your path to serve. ROTC does indeed drug test randomly. And that would be a DQ if you test positive. That includes being in a room with others doing drugs (contact high, I think they call it). Just don't. Roommate storing drugs in your room? Nope - ask him to take it elsewhere. Also avoid a situation where you would get in trouble with underage drinking, police civic involvement (fighting or mischief, for examples) or illegal drugs. You need to be separate from all of that.

Others may have differing opinions but that's my 2 cents. Hold your head up high for telling the truth, and learning from your mistake. I know plenty of 40+ year olds who still struggle to do both of those things and you're doing well on those at a young age.

Good luck to you.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Not a professional, just a dad here, but here are my two cents.

I think this will be less of an issue with DoDMERB and more of an issue when you complete your Form SF-86 for Security Clearance. At that time you should clarify that the circumstances were different from the two time periods.

Once it is clear that you were truthful on both circumstances, I doubt that it will be a deal breaker.

 

[GoCubbies]

Around a year ago, I applied for USAFA. On the DoDMERB I took at the time, they asked about prior marijuana usage. I put no, as that was the truth at the time. However, I did not get into the Academy. After that I did not have a desire to reapply for USAFA after and thought that was the end. Because of this circumstance, I experimented with marijuana one time after this time period.
I then enrolled in college and thought I would just get my degree and join the workforce. However, I found out more and more about the AFROTC program offered and eventually wanted to try it. I joined the program and absolutely love it and now want to try this commissioning source.
When filling out paperwork however, when asked again about prior marijuana usage, I said I experimented with it once (a decision that I regret and something I will never do again). I then found out that because my DoDMERB hasn't expired, I could transfer it to be on file with this AFROTC Detachment. However, because at the time of my DoDMERB, I put down that I never used Marijuana and then at the time of enrolling in AFROTC, I put that I have experimented, is this a DQ?
I understand that integrity is the best way to go and I answered truthfully for both. However, because there is a different on paper, will this DQ me and they will think I lied?

I don’t think it is a DQ at the DODMERB level.

This is probably a youthful indiscretion and/or peer pressure type of thing.

So long as it’s not habitual; the hard stuff (cocaine, heroine, LSD, etc); or associated with legal, financial, or social difficulties, then a 1 time MJ (not @Capt MJ, mind you [emoji4]) use is not a DQ.

One final piece on any substance use is no associated psych conditions like dependency which would be a DQ.

Report it and describe the circumstances. If true, then say only one time, your frat buddies dared you and you did it because you really wanted to get into SAE, TKE, ATO, etc. You’ve never been arrested for it or gone to the ER. Never passed out. You’ve never used the hard stuff. Again, only the truth.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tbpxece]

Pre-service marijuana usage (to any extent) is not currently disqualifying for USAF accession (officer or enlisted).

The policy letter is here.

 

[FastFood44]

As stated above, but I will echo based on stories I have heard from other NROTC MIDNs; be honest about this on your SF 86 specifically. Go into detail to explain the circumstances, and you will be fine if it was one time, off shoot thing.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

All good feedback above and I agree OP should move forward with head-high. OP's decisions on this matter are made, and choices were made. So we move forward there.

For future candidates, I feel it constructive to point out that the decision to experiment with drugs (vs a decision to chose to not experiment with drugs) is in itself, to some, a lapse in judgment and to some is seen as a negative and a poor decision. I understand to perhaps more and more people, this is harmless, but you cannot know fully in the future who will be your decision makers on any panel deciding who gets in, where you get slotted, who gets special cruises/ camps, who advances. So why risk it?

Will it get you DQ'd on it's own? The policy shared says no, but for those with social pressure and who have the decision before them, or if you're a parent looking for advice as your child heads out the door on a Friday night to a buddies house who's parents are out of town... If you're thinking will it matter? Yep. It may. and the best decision is still no, not if you want to serve as an officer in the armed services.

There are formulas to how the OML is calculated - that's the science. There are also the soft-skill impressions you make that DO matter in terms of opportunity and opinion - that's the art. Just be aware both the art and science impact you. Anyone remember the Chutes and ladders game as a kid? it's amazing how one step can shoot you down the ladder. Others knock you down pretty far. My analogous point is that this decision may knock you down, so understand that.

Some decision makers simply don't care about drug experimentation prior to service. AND SOME DO.
So, if it's in front of you, go ahead and make a good decision to protect your future options.

 

[shock-n-awe]

Around a year ago, I applied for USAFA. On the DoDMERB I took at the time, they asked about prior marijuana usage. I put no, as that was the truth at the time. However, I did not get into the Academy. After that I did not have a desire to reapply for USAFA after and thought that was the end. Because of this circumstance, I experimented with marijuana one time after this time period.
I then enrolled in college and thought I would just get my degree and join the workforce. However, I found out more and more about the AFROTC program offered and eventually wanted to try it. I joined the program and absolutely love it and now want to try this commissioning source.
When filling out paperwork however, when asked again about prior marijuana usage, I said I experimented with it once (a decision that I regret and something I will never do again). I then found out that because my DoDMERB hasn't expired, I could transfer it to be on file with this AFROTC Detachment. However, because at the time of my DoDMERB, I put down that I never used Marijuana and then at the time of enrolling in AFROTC, I put that I have experimented, is this a DQ?
I understand that integrity is the best way to go and I answered truthfully for both. However, because there is a different on paper, will this DQ me and they will think I lied?

If your answers were reversed it would be a problem clearly indicating that one of the answers given could not be truthful.
The fact that your second answer is “yes” as you stated, it should not be a disqualifier, just be sure that was your last time “experimenting “.

 

[Tmac54]

All good feedback above and I agree OP should move forward with head-high. OP's decisions on this matter are made, and choices were made. So we move forward there.

For future candidates, I feel it constructive to point out that the decision to experiment with drugs (vs a decision to chose to not experiment with drugs) is in itself, to some, a lapse in judgment and to some is seen as a negative and a poor decision. I understand to perhaps more and more people, this is harmless, but you cannot know fully in the future who will be your decision makers on any panel deciding who gets in, where you get slotted, who gets special cruises/ camps, who advances. So why risk it?

Will it get you DQ'd on it's own? The policy shared says no, but for those with social pressure and who have the decision before them, or if you're a parent looking for advice as your child heads out the door on a Friday night to a buddies house who's parents are out of town... If you're thinking will it matter? Yep. It may. and the best decision is still no, not if you want to serve as an officer in the armed services.

There are formulas to how the OML is calculated - that's the science. There are also the soft-skill impressions you make that DO matter in terms of opportunity and opinion - that's the art. Just be aware both the art and science impact you. Anyone remember the Chutes and ladders game as a kid? it's amazing how one step can shoot you down the ladder. Others knock you down pretty far. My analogous point is that this decision may knock you down, so understand that.

Some decision makers simply don't care about drug experimentation prior to service. AND SOME DO.
So, if it's in front of you, go ahead and make a good decision to protect your future options.

Dick Marcinko??