If you are just getting a secret clearance you probably won't be given a polygraph. If you are getting a Top Secret/SCI then you probably will.  For your background investigation they will ask about prior drug use.  If you received counseling it is public knowledge and they can obtain your medical records so it's probably best to be honest about that, rather than be caught in a lie.

Perhaps you could anonymously call a recruiting center and ask if you will be denied entrance into the army because of prior drug usage.

I was given a Top Secret clearance by DIA and I had admitted to smoking pot in high school. However, it was more than 10 years in the past so it didn't really count. When it was time for my poly they only asked about the past 5 years.

Most likely you'll be asked to fill out a SF86.

When you fill out your SF86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) there is a section that asks if in the last 7 years have you ever consulted with a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc).

They also ask about drug use since you were 16 or in the last 7 years.  You can answer how you wish, however one of the questions on the poly is if you were truthful on your SF86.

I'm not sure what clearance levels require a background investigation.  I *think* that you don't necessarily have one for a secret clearance. But you must keep your long-term career goals in mind.  Smoking Pot in high school isn't going to be an issue in the long run.

I would think that in this case, disclosing your minor pot smoking isn't going to hurt you. But that's just my thoughts.  Good Luck.

Martin,

I am a former Army Military Intelligence Officer.  Part of my duties was processing clearances (S and TS) for soldiers in my unit.

Smoking pot once or twice in the past will not bounce you from getting a secret.  Dealing pot will, though, and possibly buying.  But the drug issue is mostly focused on current issues, so if it was a one time in the past usage, tell them about it and don't let it bother you.

For a Secret, you will only deal with the SF86 or its newer version, the EPSQ.  After the forms are processed, a NAC will be generated (National Agency Check) to see if you have a criminal record.  If you are clean of major violations, a minimal background check will be performed to verify what you have entered on your forms.  Expect the process to last 6-months to a year.  If your MOS requires it, your duty post can issue an INTERIM SECRET clearance after a favorable NAC.

For a TS, you will again deal with the SF86 or EPSQ.  This time though, the background check will be much more intense, checking not only what info you gave, but whatever is gathered from the field.  The longer check extends the time to get the final clearance - expect at least a year.  YOU WILL NOT BE POLYGRAPHED!!!!  The Army hardly ever uses the damned thing.  You can also get an INTERIM TS from your duty post, but don't bother to request one.  Your duty post can't give you INTERIM SCI access, which means you can't be read on, rendering a TS virtually worthless.

Again, don't worry about the drugs if they are a thing of the past, and don't worry about the polygraph.  Unless you are a 96E, you won't see them.

Hope all this helps.

Chris

Dave,

No doubt DIS/DSS has and does resolve many issues with a polygraph exam.  Presumably the Ana Montes polygraph debacle is an example of this sort of resolution--just not a very successful one--perhaps even accurately described as a disastrous resolution, yes?   

Guest,

With matters like the David Tenenbaum polygraph fiasco, http://www.antipolygraph.org/litigation/tenenbaum/second-amended-complaint.shtml, you're right--there's no need for DIS/DSS to shoulder anybody else's blunders.  In the polygraph world there's plenty of error to go around...

Zac82

Regarding your questions, see Chapter 8 (Use of the Polygraph in Security Clearance Investigations) of Security Clearances and National Security Information: Law and Procedures, which was written by Sheldon I. Cohen for the Defense Personnel Security Research Center. The entire document may be downloaded as a 17 mb scanned PDF file through the Defense Technical Information Center by searching under Accession Number ADA388100 at http://stinet.dtic.mil/str/tr4_fields.html.

Sorry for the error, you are correct, it is 97E.  Those individuals, along with 35E (HUMINT Officer) are the ones who use polygraphs as an interrogation tool.  I have never met anyone in the Army who has undergone a polygraph as a routine matter of issuing clearances, foir both S and TS.

Again, if something major pops up during the background investigation which the applicant contests, DIS/DSS may chose to administer a apolygraph.  In most cases, the case file is handles by a subcontractor security company (usually MANTECH).  In a case which generates a security issue, it is then handed back to DIS/DSS, and they determine how to proceed with investigation.

Examples of when the polygraph has been brought in?  Good question.  My guess would only be for counter-intelligence issues.  I had an applicant once who stated that he was never arrested on his application.  He was looking to change MOS to one requiring a clearance.  But after receiving his FBI file, I saw he was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, and using a firearm with intent to maim or kill.  He even had jail time.  And what happened to him?  He was respectfully dropped from consideration for a clearance.  He also became a great example for me as why NOT to lie on your application.

Chris