New and curious.

[jackyj]

Hi everyone. I graduate nursing school and am considering joining the Navy Nurse Corps. I have some concerns about prior drug use. I am familiar with the in-depth, investigative process that is performed on my behalf. Looking at the security clearance forms, they ask about prior drug use within the last 7 years. If drugs were used over 7 years ago, this question can confidently be answered 'no'. However, will I ever be asked if I have 'ever' done drugs? Say, at MEPS or any other time. I have a spotless criminal record and live an honest life. Looking for some thoughtful and informative responses. Thank you.

[CVal]

Hi Jacky, welcome. I can't help you with your question, but I do hope you get it worked out.

[ramrod]

Welcome Jacky...
Just be honest about everything. If they do ask if you have ever used, then just be honest and tell them. I think the only time they asked me was on the paperwork you fill out at the recruiter station.

[Pollywog]

Hey Jacky.,
That heading sounded pretty gay.

Anyways,
LIE, LIE, LIE!

Fact: If nobody knows you ever did any kind of drug, and it wasn't recorded anywhere ever, and you're over the time limit of how long ago it could be tested for, YOU DIDN'T DO IT.

I can't believe how many people I saw get booted during RTC because they were dumb enough to admit to this stuff. Who's f***king business is it if you tried a little pot or something in college? Nobody's business., not even the freakin' Navy's.
Just say NO! As in., NO, I have never tried drugs.
I see these Dudley Do Rights saying, "Honesty is the best policy!" and "Just always tell the truth."
PLEASE! That's easy to tell someone, a lot harder to do yourself. I never met a damned chief the entire time I was in that never tried an illegal substance!

[a sailor's princess]

Hmm..so I see that you have quickly received the 2 opposing views on this subject...
I say...do whatever feels right to you. No one else can persuade you either way. I know you might want to lie and say no, but if your gut says to tell the truth, then do it. If your gut says it doesn't really matter, then do that and just omit part of your past.
Whatever feels right to you.

Good luck!

[jackyj79]

Pollywog Platoon Daddy,
Your name sounds pretty gay too. Thanks for the reply. It's nobody's business.

[SailorDave]

Whichever way you go, realize that you have to deal with the consequences. If you tell the truth and they tell you "thanks, but no thanks", then you leave with a clear conscience. If you lie and they find out after you're in, then you face the possibility of getting booted after you've already started.

My opinion is you answer the questions put to you truthfully. In this case, the answer is no, you've not done them in the last 7 years. If they give you additional questions and ask you about before the 7 years, it's now your integrity on the line. I doubt they'll even ask again. Usually, they only get concerned if you are being considered for a national security position requiring a TS or higher clearance. Secret clearances are usually adjudicated with records checks.