Expert: Rod Powers - 12/30/2007

Question
I will be joining Air Force ROTC this spring. I was prior enlisted as
an F-16 Crewchief. Previously I had tried marijuana when I was 14. I
thought it was stupid and didn't touch it again. So on my security form it
asks if you have in the last 7 yrs or since 16yrs of age done any
illegal drugs. Of course I put no and I never had an interview since my
record was clean. About a 1.5 yrs ago. I made the mistake of trying
marijuana one time at college. I plan on admitting to this. Will this effect
my chances as a pilot? I was in the IRR not active duty.. My prior
security clearance was deactivated when I separated. I know they ask in
ROTC and on your security form. Will this get me a denial for pilot or Top
secret clearance?


Answer
Hi Jeff,

You'll want to read my article about Security Clearances at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/security.htm

As it says in the article, there is no way to tell for sure what factors will or will not result in a security clearance denial, because each and ever case is evaluated individually.

However, I can say, in my experience, the chances of a security clearance denial, for someone who has admitted to use of marijuana less than five times are pretty rare as long as:

(1) The marijuna wasn't used on active duty,

(2) It didn't result in an arrest or conviction, and

(3) The applicant is honest about it.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com