Expert: John L - 6/15/2011

Question
Hi John,

I used marijuana perhaps 15 times when I was 16 years old, and also used mushrooms twice at that age.  I have no charges, felonies, convictions, medical issues, etc.  I'm 100% squeaky clean.  I am now almost 20 years of age.  I became a Christian shortly after the drug use and have not touched anything since that time 3 1/2 years ago. I have been talking to recruiters for awhile and took the ASVAB, on which I got a 96 AFQT.  I've qualified for the NAVY nuke program and pretty much everything else (but I'd really like to do linguistics).  I was encouraged to lie about my past drug use since there were never any charges and since there is pretty much no way to peg anything on me.  I know people far worse off than me who got a top secret clearance, so I have no doubt that I could do it and pull it off.  However, being a Christian, I would like to be honest with my MEPS screener and inform them of all drug use.  Will I be able to get a waiver or a security clearance in any branch?  Again, no charges, no convictions, no nothin'.  I'm admitting something I could totally get away with by virtue of my own free will as a matter of integrity.  Please tell me the score.  

Thanks,
Taylor

Answer
The marijuana usage is so much an issue, the mushrooms are.  If you if fess up to the drug use, you probably would not get a great job to begin with because it would require a waiver and most services are not giving waivers at this time due to there is a line out the door of people wanting to join the military.

I understand and respect you wanting to be up front, just know that the military is not your friend when it comes to past drug use.  They are unreasonably unfair when it comes to that.

if you admit to it, you may not be able to join at this time, but I would ask your recruiter to be up front about drug use waivers without telling him you used drugs.  Then make up your mind for what is best for you.