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What "common" good are you refering to? Be honest, your recent drug use has potentially disqualified you and you would rather lie to get the job. If you choose not to be honest with your employer, which many here might suggest you do, then at least be honest with yourself. Your "indescretion" is an example of your current character and should disqualify you.
Posted by: Vera Posted on: Feb 9th, 2004 at 12:27am
Thank you for your replies. I will talk to our security chief about requirements/procedures for this assignment. I'm aware that the TS/SCI takes about 6 months to complete and would prefer face-to-face investigations to polygraph. This site has made me serously doubt the validity of polygraphs and I don't want my career path to be limited by one. I'm strong enough to do the right thing but experienced enough to know that telling the absolute truth to strangers does not always serve the common good. Consider me fully reformed.
Thank you and good luck to all - Vera
Posted by: Outraged Guest Posted on: Feb 8th, 2004 at 6:39pm
Quoting Vera: "My indiscretion occured within the last month but truly is an isolated incident. . . I never would have gotten high if I was expecting to change assignments. My performance and character are considered outstanding - otherwise, the position would not have been offered."
Vera, appatrently you think that it matters if a person breaks the law or regulations just once. As you must know the Army does not make such a distinction, whether you are reserve or national guard. You then qualify your "indescretion" by stating you wouldn't have done if you knew your character would actually be scrutinized. If you truly don't have a problem revealing your drug use and you are simply asked about it without a urinalysis, then tell them. Do you have the character others have "considered" you have?
Posted by: Kona Posted on: Feb 7th, 2004 at 11:10pm
When I had to go through the process of applying for a TS/SCI clearance, there was no polygraph, and no urinalysis. I did have to fill out an SF-86 form (which is basically a personal history statement), and be interviewed by a Defense Investigative Service Agent. The SF-86 is very long, and covers just about everything in your life (family, friends, foreign travel, foreign friends, finances, jobs, drug use, etc). The process is long, and can take up to a year to complete. My clearance took about 9 months to be granted.
One thing the Defense Investigative Service (DIS) does that most police departments don't is to actually go out in the field and conduct face to face interviews with people in your past. I was amazed to find out that they interviewed military friends, family members, next door neighbors from my childhood years, and people I hadn't talked to in years. In my opinion, this type of background investigation beats the hell out of any worthless polygraph session.
If you want the most current info on the entire process, you should talk to your security manager where you work. You should be able to ask what type of events would be disqualifying for a TS/SCI clearance, and what will be required of you during the process.
Good luck.
Kona
Posted by: Vera Posted on: Feb 7th, 2004 at 4:39pm
Thank you for the reply. My indiscretion occured within the last month but truly is an isolated incident. I fully disclosed trouble with the law and drug use in my youth when applying for basic clearance 9 years ago. I have been upgraded to secret but never asked to submit any samples. This new assignment was offered to me this week. I never would have gotten high if I was expecting to change assignments. My performance and character are considered outstanding - otherwise, the position would not have been offered. Should I expect urinalysis as part of the exam? Is there a set procedure and timeline for TS/SCI process? Is there an authority (other than those on this site!) on these matters that I can contact directly? Thank you and Cheers - Vera
Posted by: Kona Posted on: Feb 7th, 2004 at 6:21am
When I was in the military, there was no way in hell you would ever be granted a TS/SCI clearance if you admitted to smoking pot "recently" (last 7 years).
In fact, as a DOD civilian holding a sensitive position that requires a TS/SCI clearance, I would think that you may be required to submit to random urinalysis testing. Bottom line, if you ever pop positive on a random urinalysis in your new job, or admit to smoking dope last week with your friends, you can kiss that Top Secret clearance goodbye. Actually, I believe you would be kissing your job adios also.
Anyone else out there know if I'm way off base?
Kona
Posted by: Vera Posted on: Feb 7th, 2004 at 5:16am
I have an active secret clearance and must upgrade to top secret SCI for a new assignment within the Army (I'm a civilian). Do they administer drug tests as part of SCI? I have recently smoked pot and have no trouble admitting to it but don't want to divulge the story if a urinalysis isn't a part of the process. Any comments from experienced forum users will be appreciated. Good luck