Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Enlistment and past drug use

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Expert: - 7/5/2009


Question
Mr. Lewis,

I am 24, a college graduate from a top-10 university looking to enlist in the Army.  When I was 19 I completed an outpatient program because of excessive drug use (cannabis).  I briefly relapsed once but I have been clean of drugs and alcohol for over a year and have no criminal record whatsoever.  I know I could probably fudge that information at MEPS and get by, but the MOS I want above all requires TS clearance, and I'm concerned that those facts will show up in an investigation, getting me into bigger trouble than if I had been totally upfront.  Will my history bar me from enlisting altogether, and would I be better off giving "correct" as opposed to "honest" answers and aiming for an MOS with less stringent qualifications?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Well, it depends on how the treatment wss done.  If it was court ordered, you are done,  If you have any possession charges, you are done.  If it was voluntary, you could be fine by not saying it, but they would probably find out during the background check by talking to the people you list.  If you fess up, you are done.


Hard choice, you have to live with it.  I would not mention it and go no clearance job to be safe.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

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13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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