Security Clearance?

Question

Twelve years ago I was employed at a defense contractor
and had a secret security clearance. I tested positive for marijuana and was fired. I didn't smoke regularly and have not smoked since then. I have been employed as a truck driver ever since and have passed numerous drug tests. I now have the opportunity to work for another defense contractor and they will hire me regardless of the positive test "IF" I am able to get a secret clearance again.
Anybody, do you think i'll be able to get one?

Answer 1

I was the security assistant at my last command, US Navy Reserves. I just recently completed my TS clearance investigation.

The investigation for a Secret Clearance is not as rigorous as that of a Top Secret. Insofar as I know, they are primarily looking for arrests, clear credit record, reasonable job history and performance, that kind of thing. Many of the members of my last command had drug involvement in their past and still cleared their investigations.

In the end, you won't know until you try. However, one positive on a drug test twelve years ago is very unlikely to be enough to kick back your investigation.

If I were you, I'd go for it.

Answer 2

First, I want to say that your specific clearances should not be discussed like this!! It goes against that paperwork that you initially signed stating you would not disclose that information!! For those that even admitted you have one, your clearance can be taken away according to DoD regulations. Just a little FYI….


Mike,

The key is honesty. An investigator worth anything is going to find your past indiscretions. They go through more aspects of your life then you can possible fathom. ….BUT being honest throughout the procedure will weigh heavily on the final outcome. A clearance pretty much comes down to a paper that says how much you can be trusted. If from the beginning you are lying you will not be granted one. Integrity is the basis behind this entire program (not that the 10 years in prison and 10,000 dollar fine would not have already told you that!)

You should check out DSS.mil which is the Defensive Security Service website it tells everything from personal to industrial security. If this website doesn’t help you, believe me no one else on this site will. It gives the breakdown of every law, which regards to every clearance type.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

You won't know until you try, but I don't think that marijuana use 12 years ago will be a problem. The company fired you because you tested positive, but that didn't have anything to do with your clearance. Also, your question makes it sound like you have to get a clearance on your own. Not so - the new company has to apply to get you a clearance. A security clearance is based on need. If clearances were denied for everyone who ever tested positive, we wouldn't have many D.O.D. workers.

Answer 4

Probably not. Although a complete background investigation will take place, using drugs while having a security clearance is a big deal. Especially if you were fired over it. I'd give you a 90% chance of being denied a clearance.

Answer 5

Yes, you'll get it back.

A Secret Security Clearance questionnaire doesn't even go back that far. It will go back 10 years as I remember.

I had a Top Secret SCI. That went back to age 18.

Answer 6

You are only going for a secret clearance, it shouldn't be too difficult. Your present history shows you are clean.

Answer 7

yes if you pass all of the requirements for it.
You will have to explain all the things from the past
They look at your credit record, employment history,and altoof things

Answer 8

They only look back 10 years so you should be just fine!

Answer 9

i don't see why not.

Answer 10

no, sorry if you lost a secret it might me hard to get another one. Still try though! good luck.