Air Force and Prior Drug Use

[Riversurfer]

Let's say a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate wanted to enter and serve his or her country as an Officer in the United States Air Force. This graduate had experimented with marijuana four times as a senior in high school and the following year. This graduate is now in his/her late twenties and is, for the most part, a 'straight arrow', i.e. above average grades, rarely drinks, etc. What are the ramifications of this graduate's prior marijuana use? Will this graduate's chances of being commissioned into the Air Force be hindered? Should this graduate be fully truthful on the application? Thoughtful responses welcomed.

[nydoll911]

I did not lie and told about one time experimenting with cocaine plus marijuana use when I was 15 and was told that because I had used drugs other than marijuana I am permantly disqualified from the Air Force. I wish now that I had only copped to the mj cuz I really want to be in the AF. I am pretty sure you will be ok since it was only Mj but keep that in mind.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I am now a second lieutenant in the AF and spent 4 years prior service as an enlisted member. I told them I smoked pot once when I went in the first time (all true) and had a Top Secret clearance while AD, a secret clearance while a civilian, and have a new secret clearance now.

It's a pain, because it comes up all the time, but I told them b/c I wasn't sure of who'd they talk to. They make you write this stupid, idiotic sounding statement about how you tried it and you didn't like it and you now care too much about your career to do it again and now you're an adult - yadda yadda yadda, blah blah blah - but it's relatively painless. Just a nuisance.

[Riversurfer]

i decided not to pursue the air force route. one reason: the RIDICULOUS anti-drug policy, subsequent interrogation, and the mentality that goes along with it. whose business is it if someone tried pot a few times in his or her life, PRIOR to joining the military? Mine and mine only. To all of those who have replied, thank you, and thank you for serving.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

i decided not to pursue the air force route. one reason: the RIDICULOUS anti-drug policy, subsequent interrogation, and the mentality that goes along with it. whose business is it if someone tried pot a few times in his or her life, PRIOR to joining the military? Mine and mine only. To all of those who have replied, thank you, and thank you for serving.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ALL the services have the same policy, there's no stigma (too many of us out there are guilty), and it's not that big of a deal to those serving.

Ridiculous? Like it or not, we're all admitting to having violated a Federal law. I'd say their policy is actually pretty lenient, given the circumstances.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Hi:

I inhaled during my teen age years. I told the MD at MEPS....I was Commissioned and I also received a Secret Security Clearance

Worst thing you could do is lie. You are seeking to become a Commissioned Officer in the Air Force. Don't Lie. That lie may come back to bite you in your orifice....

Army Values (and I am sure they are the same in the other Branches)

LDRSHIP = Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage

athena

Like the anagram. All we have is Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.