SF86 / Poly question

[chaosflower]

Hi all,

2 years ago I was going to be a summer intern for a branch of the White House and had to go to a security interview. I filled out a SF86 and mentioned the 3-4 times I had used marijuana. Since the last occurance had been within 2 years I was denied the clearance the very next day.

2 years later, I am about to graduate college, and  I am applying for jobs at both the CIA and the NSA. I feel that I got screwed last time for being honest about such minimal drug use. I haven't used any drugs at all since then. I will have to redo a SF86 soon and I am wondering if I should just leave out the minor drug part. Will this get me into trouble consider that last time I didn't leave it out? Will they compare records?

Thanks!

[Mr. Mystery]

If you are within standards you are within standards.  You are probably currently within standard or very close.  No ambiguity about it.

The marijuana usage probably definitely won't permanently disqualify you.  The worst that will happen is that you have to wait two or more years before applying.  Hell the interview process alone could eat up that time.

However, lying on your application will be the kiss of death.  No one will touch you if you are discovered to have deliberately lied on your application.

Finally, let me get on my soapbox.  This site is generally for those who are innocent false positives (yes they exist regardless of the witty banter provided by our polygraphers).  I really don't feel this site was ever intended to encourage dishonesty on applications.

[Ruckover]

If you are within standards you are within standards.  You are probably currently within standard or very close.  No ambiguity about it.

The marijuana usage probably definitely won't permanently disqualify you.  The worst that will happen is that you have to wait two or more years before applying.  Hell the interview process alone could eat up that time.

However, lying on your application will be the kiss of death.  No one will touch you if you are discovered to have deliberately lied on your application.

Finally, let me get on my soapbox.  This site is generally for those who are innocent false positives (yes they exist regardless of the witty banter provided by our polygraphers).  I really don't feel this site was ever intended to encourage dishonesty on applications.

Mystery man is right.  Tell the truth.  It is pretty amazing what the agenecies are willing to forgive (not including the FBI).  What they will not forgive is dishonesty.  I owned up to steriod use in the past, within 2.5 years of my date of hire, and it was overlooked.  

[quickfix]

You will also be asked on your polygraph if you have had any drug involvement in the past five, and if you deliberately falsified your security forms.  It is also a felony to falsify your SF86 (see the bottom of page 9).