Dick Cheney's two DWI convictions also did not prevent him from serving as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, a position that requires a top secret clearance.

Yes, and having a DWI is not a disqualifier for being president, unless those who vote you into office deem it so.

By the way, both President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney have been arrested for driving while intoxicated (the latter twice).

Seldon wrote on Oct 11^th, 2005 at 12:51am:


This alone would not disqualify you from employment with any federal agency that grants security clearances. In fact, the FBI actually assumes that people it would want to hire have driven while intoxicated and would lie to an FBI special agent when questioned about it. One of their standard probable-lie "control" questions used by the FBI in pre-employment polygraph screening is, "Did you ever drive while under the influence of alcohol?"

Moreover, although the CIA has no published hiring guidelines regarding past illegal drug use, it is generally understood to be more tolerant in this regard than the FBI.

Hey Guys and Gals,

This is my first post, and I have a situation on which I'd like some input.

A few years ago I was with some of my friends and tried MJ. It was the first and only time I've ever used an illegal drug. After smoking it, we watched a movie for a couple of hours, and I drove home. Now, after doing some research and posting the question in another forum, I've learned that I did, technically, drive while intoxicated.

So, when I divulge this info during the pre-polygraph sit-down for the CIA, will it probably DQ me from the rest of the application pipeline? BTW, I have never driven under the influence of alcohol.

I realise that this was a really stupid thing to do and, if I could, would undo the whole thing in a second. But, how hard are they likely to come down on me for this?

Thanks for your time and have a good one,
-A.