CIA Hiring Process.....I'm not a Boy Scout

[xman11]

I am considering a career with the CIA.  I have an MA, study and residence abroad and  military experience.  Unfortunately I used drugs extensively in the past, but not in the last year.  To top it off I have two DUI convictions, and the last one was almost 2.5 years ago.  Since then I've cleaned up and pursued graduate study.  I'm definitely an extreme example.  Should I forget about the CIA?  

[polyrized]

Read through the postings.... not only will you not get the job but they will pass on all the unfavorable information they get to other agencies you may wish to apply to in the future.

They also will mislead people as to what they might find acceptable in order to persuade them to give up information.  In their minds the end, disqualifying unsuitable candidates, justifies the means, putting out misleading information on what behavior can be waived.

[Jeffery]

Yes.  They have thousands of applicants that have what you got minus the drug part.

[LessMoore]

.

[monsterinthecorner]

don't worry.  my experience was delightful.  just stay positive and don't get yourself all riled up.  

[NSAreject]

I would certainly agree with polyrized; if this were for
the DoD, you would be disqualified for the DUIs and
recent, extensive drug use.  There is certainly not
enough time, since these incidents.  The CIA would have
plenty of other "clean" backgrounds to choose from.

[LessMoore]

.

[xman11_]

I was enlisted in the military for 3 years after high school and was honorably discharged an E4.  I held a Secret clearance for my position as well.  

Following the military, I used the GI BIll to finish a BA in International Relations.  I then went to Europe to receive an MA in IR.  Now I'm starting the process the long CIA hiring process, but I am not confident that I will make even receive a conditional offer of employment.  

I had two DUIs, and smoked marijuana frequently while in college.  I also sporadically tried cocaine, shrooms, and ecstacy, but never used it on a regular basis.  This all occurred before I went to Europe.  Now its been nearly 2 1/2 years since my last DUI.  The first DUI in 2000 was actually reduce to a "wet and wreckless driving" conviction, b/c I was at the BAC limit.  It was basically a slap on the rest, and I obviously didn't learn my lesson.  The last DUI was horrible.  I was a struck by of a hit-and-run driver, but unfortunately I had too many drinks.  I may have been able to avoid the accident if were sober.

That experience changed my life, not only b/c of the severe punishment, but b/c it could have ended tragically.  Since then my life has changed.  My hyper-active social life as bartender is over and I am a very responsible drinker.  I just partied waaay to much in college.  Although I my friends were a big factor of my behavior, I take full responsibility for my actions.  I just hope it doesn't deprive me of a rewarding career.  

[LessMoore]

...You don't need friends like that -- eliminate them...

[Jeffery]

4. Although I my friends were a big factor of my behavior, I take full responsibility for my actions.
  You don't need friends like that -- eliminate them.

That could really hurt his chances, unless he is interviewing for a "special" job there.  

[xman11_]

Sorry for the unclear posting.  I was distracted and in a bit of a hurry.  

I met to convey the phrase, "slap on the wrist."  

As for the car accident, I was actually struck by an 18-wheeler as it was making a lane change.  The truck driver pulled over on the side of the highway and then proceeded to leave the scene of the accident thereafter.  When CHP arrived on the scene, I was arrested for driving under the influence.  Luckily nobody was hurt.    

As I mentioned previously, I've completely turned around since this incident.  I moved to Europe for about 18 months to study and now reside in Washington D.C.  

I'm not laying the blame on others for my previous indiscretions, because I was leading the pack more often than not.  Rather, the culture of heavy drinking indicative of working in the bar industry only encouraged my risky behavior.    

I've kept this incident very discreet from recent friends and colleagues and it is very strange for me to reveal this to total strangers.  Since some of you appear to have had experience in this proces, I simply need some feedback on my chances of successfully completing the process.  

In addition to applying for the CIA (CMO), I submitted an application to the DIA's entry level Intelligence Officer program.  Should I just withdraw my applications and wait several years to reapply?  I wouldn't want to be "flagged" for a previous DQ.  I feel as though I should just go through with it and take my chances.  I've "eliminated" my friends and I have a few drinks a week if not at all.      

As an aside, I am also wondering if my secret clearance is still valid?  It was granted in 1997 and I heard it was valid for 10 years.  

Thanks  

[polyrized]

Be careful not to look to the security screening process as some sort of validation and recognition of your behavioral changes.  Whatever you decide good luck, and congratulations on your making positive changes to your life.

The best advice though is to read about other peoples experiences and decide if you want to take the chance and what the risks are both in the long and short term.

[LessMoore]

.

[monsterinthecorner]

xman-
- CIA requires US residence for last 7 consecutive years.  looks like your tenure in Europe might be a problem.
- CIA not only looks for major offenses, but also looks at "a series of minor incidences that point to a behavioral pattern."  for example: are you someone who frequently runs tolls without paying for them?  do you frequently shoplift insignificant items like candy or gum?  (these would lead to basic integrity questions).  therefore, I would say that the DUI's would pose a problem.
- on a side note: drugs = most significant factor in failing clearance.  criminal conduct = second most significant factor.  finances = 3rd.
- drug policy is stated as "drug free for one year."  however, if you used frequently in the past...could pose a problem as this points to behavioral pattern.  good job on cleaning up, but would a nat'l security apparatus really take the risk of employing a former drug user (with DUI records) when there are others out there?  hmmmm.  unless, of course, you speak farsi, arabic, korean or chinese.  just being honest here.
- you could very well get a COE - but I would suspect your security clearance could take 2 years.

LessMoore-
My language is literal...only my name is alegorical.  and with that I've already said too much.

hope to see some of you on the other side.

[monsterinthecorner]

one more thing:
cia requires top secret clearance.  your former clearance might still be valid, but is inconsequencial to CIA hiring.
and even if you have a top-secret, CIA would only honor a NSA level clearance.  anything else, CIA would make make a note then proceed with its own investigation.