I am about to take steps to pursue an officer commission in the Marine Corps, but have a fairly extensive MJ use history and a couple instances of hard drugs from college (about two years ago). Is this something that's an impediment, or is it not an issue for them in their background checks?
And even if this won't prohibit me from becoming an officer, will it become a career impediment later on as I seek security clearances or even an intelligence MOS? I know LE hates past drug use, but maybe the military is different? Thanks a lot, hope someone can help!
Colony2006,
I do believe that most of us here do not advocate anything being hidden when positions of trust are being applied for. That being said, your drug use must and will be investigated by the military. If being an officer is that important to you, then you must disclose every bit of it on the SF-86 and let the system take its course. The military is generally far more lenient in some circumstances on drug use than most LE organizations. But also as an officer you must always do the right thing, and I know I had a rather colorful college life. And I served 20+ years without any regrets or having to look over my shoulder. I disclosed everything up front and my officer service was better off for it.
Regards ....
Thanks for your answer, but it wasn't quite what I was asking ... I don't intend on lying, so I'm wondering whether I therefore am barking up the wrong tree ... is this something that's gonna prevent me from joining or haunt me while I'm there? Thanks.
Each service has their own requirements when it comes to past drug use. The Army and Navy seem to be the most lenient when it comes to felony and misdemeanor convictions.
Remember try not to read too much into a question. If it says, have you ever been convicted of drug use... then say no since you havent. If they say, have you ever used drugs? Then yes, answer it that you have.
The military will just about take anyone with two legs nowadays.
If you are at MEPS and they want to know if you have ever been convicted of or ever have involvement with a or b (criminal matters) that is on record, ALWAYS SAY THE TRUTH.
Don't listen to your recruiter if he or she says they will never find out because that is total BS.
Is serving in the military so important as to risk a felony, dishonorable discharge, a hefty fine, and possibly hard labor? No. It isn't.
Eric
Dont worry too much. Just be honest about it. I know plenty of people in the military who used marijuana before they join. You will only be dq'd if you lie about it and they find out and if you fail your drug test.
-USAwarrior