Serious Question for Federal Security Clearance [Archive]

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Ice

10-11-2010, 05:03

This is a long shot, but I know a few orgahs work for the federal government, and thought some may have security clearance.

Long story short, I'm interviewing for this federal audit job in DC. My particular branch audits the US Marine Corps and Social Security Administration. I've been informed I'll be required to get Top Secret Security Clearance since I'll be working with sensitive information. As you most of you know, I've smoked marijuana in the past. Question is it even worth applying, or should I apply and disclose this when I'm getting cleared?

Serious answers only, please.

Hooahguy

10-11-2010, 05:12

Ice,
because Im seriously looking into a job in the FBI, Ive done a lot of research into top secret security clearances, including talking to agents and people who do the background check. In fact, its because of the TSSC that I decided to drop my Israeli citizenship so I wouldnt have to serve in the IDF and as a result forfeit my chances of getting into the FBI.
They will ask if you have smoked and if you were a habitual user.
How long ago was the last time you smoked? And were you a habitual user in the last 10 years (they will ask this)?
If it was once or twice a long time ago, even a year ago, it wont affect too much, as long as you arent applying for a job in the DEA, but if you have within the past year it might cause them to think lower of you.
In short, I wouldnt worry too much about it, but by all means, tell them this upfront. Disclosing this late in the game is grounds for dismissal.
Hope this helped.

By the way, a TSSC goes all the way back to age 16 and is incredibly thorough. Just a heads up, might want to make sure your social networking sites doesnt have any incriminating pictures or whatnot.

EDIT: Id also go through this site and remove anything incriminating. You never know what they might turn up and ask you about during your polygraph. Like how you are a member of the .Org pot policy group or w/e that thing is.
I also found the FBI drug policy (http://www.fbijobs.gov/52.asp), which is similar to most Federal agencies drug policies.

Hosakawa Tito

10-11-2010, 10:14

If you are still smoking pot, stop now. It takes at least 30 days to clear your system. Admit to nothing.

naut

10-11-2010, 11:17

Yeah, about a month after heavy use/in an individual with high body fat. Less with infrequent use and low body fat.

Hooahguy

10-11-2010, 12:08

If you are still smoking pot, stop now. It takes at least 30 days to clear your system. Admit to nothing.

But if they find out and he didnt tell them, its immediate dismissal. Not worth the risk.

Ice

10-11-2010, 21:33

Hosakawa Tito

10-11-2010, 22:50

But if they find out and he didnt tell them, its immediate dismissal. Not worth the risk.

If he admits illegal drug use he'll not get a job to be dismissed from.

I recieved an informative pm so thank you to the person who sent it. I know how to pass a drug test, but if they hook me up to a polygraph well thats a different story.

I appreciate everyone's insight.

The surest way to beat the drug test is to not have anything in your system, period. Even poppy seeds on a bagel could trigger a positive. Ion scanners can pick up minute particles on your clothing, hair, etc...

Hooahguy

10-11-2010, 23:30

If he admits illegal drug use he'll not get a job to be dismissed from.
Better that than be caught later on in the game where it is much worse. I think it even becomes a Federal offense if you hide information, IIRC.

Crazed Rabbit

10-12-2010, 05:47

I recieved an informative pm so thank you to the person who sent it. I know how to pass a drug test, but if they hook me up to a polygraph well thats a different story.

I appreciate everyone's insight.

Penn and Teller did a show on polygraphs and how they're BS. The relevant bit in the show is at 16 minutes in when they tell you the easy way to pass polygraphs: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=101545512

Probably helps to practice lying too; have a friend ask you very personal questions and deny everything.

NOTE: Show may include profanity and other adult themes.

CR

Hooahguy

10-12-2010, 06:10

Ice

10-12-2010, 06:50

Do I need to keep reminding you that a polygraph is not all they do? They do an extensive background check that can last from a few months to a year, or more if it gets complicated.
If you lie, and they find out, then you are in huge trouble.
Dont listen to what others say about lying about it, its not worth the possible jail time. If you dont think you can get in because of drug use, you can try, but be honest with it. Tell them that you kicked the habit and you are going straight. Maybe that will go in your favor.
But above all DO NOT LIE. EVER.
This is why we stay away from drugs.

This is good advice and rings true from what I've been told/reading (I've even looked up the form they use). This really is a rarity though, Hooah. I mean, how many people apply for top secret security clearance? I'm a friggin accountant, not James Bond or Jason Bourne. This never crossed my mind.

Edit:

On the subject, I was asked my thoughts on missile depreciation. My solution was that it should be depreciated 100% after its initial use :) (don't feel bad if you don't understand, I'm a nerd for thinking that's funny!)

Hooahguy

10-12-2010, 15:00

For the very reason that you are just an accountant that I think you can get a TSSC even though you have used drugs.
By the way, a lot of people apply for a TSSC; you would be surprised. :beam:

pevergreen

10-12-2010, 15:34

I was having a discussion on "Top Secret" clearance with a guy I know who used to have it (he was in the army)

I love the idea of saying something is 'top secret'. Not just secret. Top. Then theres apparently levels above that. What? Super top secret? Really ultra please dont tell anyone ever secret?

:laugh4: