What are my chances at obtaining a Top Secret Security Clearance?

2020-05-07T05:50:04-04:00

Hello all,
I am a 21 year old US-Born citizen college student who will be graduating soon and have been hell bent on joining the military. However I am a little worried about the Top Secret Security clearance requirement for the positions i’m interested in. Reasons for my concerns are.....
1. Prior substance use: In high school from 2016-2017 I had some use of cannabis (Around 3-4 times monthly). Also in 2017 during a high school party I was offered a sip of a “lean” infused drink not knowing til recently that it was considered a narcotic.
2. Foreign Relations: My mother is a green card holder of 20+ years from the Philippines who works for a CA state prison. My father is also from the Philippines but I am unsure of his immigration status as I have not had contact with him for 8+ years. I also have a grandfather and aunt who live in the Philippines as well as an uncle from Australia.

I have not used any substances since 2017, I have no criminal history, a good credit score, and no financial issues. I’m a young american who wants to serve my country and do so in a field that I would do well in.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made May 7 at 2020 9:47 AM

2020-05-07T09:47:14-04:00

Part of the clearance adjudication process will depend on the vetting of your foreign contacts to include your parents. Due to what looks like some extensive foreign contacts (family, and family friends), it could take a while. Barring any negative factors (ties to anti-American groups, working for foreign governments, etc) merging from the vetting, you should not have any issues. The high school drug use will most likely considered "experimental" based on your frequency and span of use, barring you did not commit any felonies related to obtaining or purchasing the drugs.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 12:38 PM

2020-05-07T12:38:16-04:00

James Liao I agree with SCPO Jason McLaughlin about the vetting process. I am happy to hear that you have not used drugs since 2017. Drug use was a problem when I served. During my civilian career, we had random drug tests, and a lot of folks were fired for failing these tests. Let us know what you find out after talking to a recruiter.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/us-military-enlistment-standards-3354008

Does Drug Use Disqualify You From Military Enlistment?

The United States Military does not condone the illegal or improper use of drugs or alcohol, and a history of either may disqualify new recruits.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 12:41 PM

2020-05-07T12:41:19-04:00

If you disclose all of this you will get a TS.
If you hide it and they find out another way you won't hold a clearance at all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 1:56 PM

2020-05-07T13:56:50-04:00

I got you dude, I’m what you would call a subject matter expert on clearances lol.

Substance abuse: as long as you were never arrested or convicted of possession, and you honestly disclose the use in your SF86, you will be fine (personal experience)

Foreign relations: my mom was a British citizen at the time I received my clearance. Disclose all foreign relations on your SF86. Unless it’s a hostile country to the U.S. you will be fine.

I’m assuming you want to join the intelligence field. This field isn’t the easiest to “do well in.” I’ve published over 50 intelligence products to the ENTIRE intelligence community and thankfully I haven’t published anything that would hurt my credibility. Once you hurt your credibility, you effectively destroy your career.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 7 at 2020 2:39 PM

2020-05-07T14:39:57-04:00

When you fill out the form be damn truthful about everything. One omission can be the end of it so be truthful or discover new and exciting careers as a Cook or other less than desirable jobs,

Response by SrA John Monette made May 8 at 2020 12:30 PM

2020-05-08T12:30:50-04:00

keep your options open. find a couple positions that interest that don't require a TS, just in case