Kegra,

So now you have heard both sides of the argument. You can fall for their charade and admit to perjury in hopes of landing a job, or you can be smarter than they are. Don't be fooled by power words like "Full Scope", these kinds of terms are invented by those who wish they had a bigger hardon.

The reality is that they are simpletons, just be smarter than they are and beat them--it happens every day, and remember what I said: cover your own ass.

Good luck.

Polygraphers, and background investigators, really will only find out what you or others tell them.  Polygraphers want you to confess, as do police, prosecutors, etc.  It makes their job that much easier.   

I was polygraphed by one intelligence agency, I was totally honest but nervous as hell, and failed.  Later I was polygraphed by another intelligence agency, I lied out my ass and used CMs, and I passed.  By this point I knew how the poly worked and I didn't confess to anything and just played the game. 

Many people with high clearances and such have lied and hid things to get their job.  I know of federal agents who do naughty things in strip clubs, drink and drive, are borderline pedophiles, and other bad things.  If nobody knows you took the pills, then nobody needs to know, including the polygraphers.  You want the job don't you?!  In the end, let God judge you, not the polygraphers.

Thanks everyone for your input.  I almost feel as if this conversation was like having a cartoon devil in my left ear and an angel on my right.  Its been 6 months since I posted this, and I am at the point now where I am going to have to make the decision to go ahead with the poly and at least get a shot at the job I want to do.  Or choose not to take it and try my luck at getting a another job that doesn't require a clearance.

I've done a lot of thinking over the past 6 months and have decided that I am going to tell the truth.  I'm going to admit to what I did, lay it all on the table, and be ready to accept whatever consequences may come my way.  Even if that means the loss of a job and or my clearance.  If that happens I'll just go back to school...I need my degree anyways.  I don't want to continue in this line of work feeling as if I'm hiding something from my employers and the government for the next 20-30 years.  I will repost after my security interview and let ya know how the polygraph goes!

Thanks for your opinions!

Kerga, 

I have remained silent during the debate.  I believe you have made a wise decision.  I don't believe you will regret choosing honesty over desire, good luck to you and please let us know how your polygraph examination goes, It should be interesting.

You should get a consultation (normally free) from a security clearance attorney. As you know drug use is a grounds for administrative discharge (look at Joe Bidens son) and have lied about it during previous investigations could put your TS clearance in jeopardy if revealed during a full scope.

RS,