TS Clearance for 0231 - Drugs

[potential0231]

Greetings, Marines. I look forward to joining your prestigious ranks when I enlist (yes, enlist) after graduating from college in May.

I was hoping for an MOS in intel, or in civil affairs (I speak 6 languages fluently, one of them is Arabic, I could probably learn workable Pastho within a year). I'm especially interested in the military because it seems like an institution which would value this skill set, more so than a private company. And more than that, I want to save lives. I want to make a difference, because a desk job really ain't for me. And, probably pretty stupid, but I want to travel to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, and be out in the field, not monitoring this stuff from a desk in Washington.

Now, I've traveled a lot, lived in Europe for some of my teenage years, and been to some pretty wild places to perfect the Arabic: Egypt and Yemen (I have plenty of Americans, including Marines, willing to vouch for what I was doing there, shouldn't be a problem). Perfect credit, no criminal record, decent grades, and nothing that bad in my past.

Predictably, what's worrying me is the drugs. I didn't really consider a military career until recently, and smoked pot pretty regularly since age 18 (I'm 23 now). I've gone over the SF-86 form, and was surprised to find that they want a specific number of times that I've smoked. I quit in December 2010, haven't touched it since, never will again. But that's still pretty recent, and that number is still probably over 100, I'll put down 150 just to have a comfortable cieling to be absolutely certain of my answer on the polygraph. I obviously plan to be completely honest throughout all stages of the investigation.

My question to you is, what do you think are my chances of getting the required TS/SCI clearance (or even being permitted to enlist at all) with that record? If I will be allowed to enlist, but not get the clearance, will I be able to choose an MOS in, say, infantry (which would be my first choice if it wasn't CLOSED, damn it)? And if not, how long should I wait before I enlist?

I appreciate your time and patience, I imagine these questions get real old, real quick. Respect, and many thanks for all that y'all have done for us Americans

[Rocky C]

forgetaboutit..............

[Devil1087]

Most TS/SCI clearances don't get denied because you smoked weed, trust me bigger stoners than you have enlisted into the Marine Corps.

What is disqualifying usually is contacts and assets outiside the US, staying for long period of time in the middle east, having family in the middle east. Having credit problems, an extensive criminal background, and stuff like that.

My recommendation is to ask a recruiter if a regular smoker who quit is still good to go for enlistment. I don't think it should be a big deal, most weed waivers are done at the RS level unless you got any MIPs or drug charges on your record.

[josephd]

You are gonna have a harder time getting the clearance based on the fact you lived overseas for a substantial amount of time, not the cannabis.

But the fact you have a clear record, a degree, and speak those languages should help some.

I would be the last person to steer someone away from becoming a Marine but one suggestion that I will give to you if becoming a Marine doesn't work out for you. Look into getting a job with a government/civilian contractor. A friend of mine from college had a similar background like yourself (multiple languages, grew up in a few places all over the world, college graduate) and he considered the military but his skills were much better utilized working for a contracting co. He is currently in the middle east (I would say the company and where exactly but can't for OPSEC purposes) on a 10month deployment, and under a 2 year contract, making $220k.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

You may also have an issue just enlisting. I know with that number of times, you'd be DQ'd from becoming a police officer in most jurisidictions.

And you basically JUST quit, not long ago. That's also going to be an issue. Most places don't get worked up over 18 and under use...it's the 19 and up that will get you nailed, since you are supposed to know better after that age.

Your ONE saving grace is your command of the languages...that will no doubt open some doors and make the Marine Corps be more willing to waiver the drug use.

BTW...it ain't called 'dope' for nothing. Stop now and keep it that way, or you'll never make it.

[haebyungdae]

Any use of drugs, no matter what MOS you are looking for, requires a moral waiver. Beyond that, to be considered for a top level clearance the limit is no usage of drugs other than mj/hash and the usage of such must have been 5 times or less. Yes, bigger stoners have gotten the clearance, but those stoners most likely also lied on their paperwork, which is not much of an option for you now that you made your usage public record by posting it. (not that I condone anyone lying about their previous lifestyles)

Over 100 times usage and your time spent in questionable countries means they are not even going to waste their time in submitting you for a clearance, even running the preliminary paperwork and checks. But who knows, you can try anyways because it never hurts to try, just don't get your hopes up.

[afraziaaaa]

Greetings, Marines. I look forward to joining your prestigious ranks when I enlist (yes, enlist) after graduating from college in May.

I was hoping for an MOS in intel, or in civil affairs (I speak 6 languages fluently, one of them is Arabic, I could probably learn workable Pastho within a year). I'm especially interested in the military because it seems like an institution which would value this skill set, more so than a private company. And more than that, I want to save lives. I want to make a difference, because a desk job really ain't for me. And, probably pretty stupid, but I want to travel to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, and be out in the field, not monitoring this stuff from a desk in Washington.

Now, I've traveled a lot, lived in Europe for some of my teenage years, and been to some pretty wild places to perfect the Arabic: Egypt and Yemen (I have plenty of Americans, including Marines, willing to vouch for what I was doing there, shouldn't be a problem). Perfect credit, no criminal record, decent grades, and nothing that bad in my past.

Predictably, what's worrying me is the drugs. I didn't really consider a military career until recently, and smoked pot pretty regularly since age 18 (I'm 23 now). I've gone over the SF-86 form, and was surprised to find that they want a specific number of times that I've smoked. I quit in December 2010, haven't touched it since, never will again. But that's still pretty recent, and that number is still probably over 100, I'll put down 150 just to have a comfortable cieling to be absolutely certain of my answer on the polygraph. I obviously plan to be completely honest throughout all stages of the investigation.

My question to you is, what do you think are my chances of getting the required TS/SCI clearance (or even being permitted to enlist at all) with that record? If I will be allowed to enlist, but not get the clearance, will I be able to choose an MOS in, say, infantry (which would be my first choice if it wasn't CLOSED, damn it)? And if not, how long should I wait before I enlist?

I appreciate your time and patience, I imagine these questions get real old, real quick. Respect, and many thanks for all that y'all have done for us Americans

1. You can not enlist as an 0231. It is a required reenlistment and lateral move.

2. Based on your drug history, you would have a very limited scope of enlistment options to select from (assuming you qualified for all programs). Your drug history requires a waiver at the Marine Corps District level (aka a Colonel) which would preclude you from even getting into most aviation related MOSs. Any intelligence related MOS would most certainly be excluded as well.

3. You need to go see a recruiter in person to have all your misconceptions cleared up. He or she will be able to give you the proper guidance regarding your history and background.

[potential0231]

Understood, Marines. Not what I wanted to hear, but oh well, right?

I appreciate the responses, either way. If I am permitted to enlist I guess I'll DEP for infantry, which as I understand doesn't require a clearance. Maybe in a few years, it'll have an easier time going through.

[afraziaaaa]

1. You can not enlist as an 0231. It is a required reenlistment and lateral move.

As you were. You can not enlist as an 0211. 0231 is an intelligence specialist. My mistake. Either way you should go talk to a recruiter. You may have more options than you think.

[USNAviator]

0231

Type of MOS : PMOS
Rank Range: MSgt to Pvt
Job Description: Intelligence specialists are familiar with all phases and facets of intelligence operations. Typical duties of intelligence specialists involve the collection, recording, analysis, processing, and dissemination of information/ intelligence. The intelligence specialist, depending on his/her rank, may supervise intelligence sections of commands up to and including MEF. Intelligence specialist who have a Defense Language Aptitude Battery of 100 may be eligible to attend language training at the Defense language Institute at Monterey, CA. This MOS will be assigned and voided only by the CMC (MM).
Job Requirements:
(1) Must possess a GT score of 100 or higher.
(2) Complete the MAGTF Intelligence Specialist: Entry Course, Navy Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC), Dam Neck, VA.
(3) Selected Marine Corps Reservists without previous active duty intelligence experience who successfully complete Phases I and II of the MAGTF Intelligence Specialist Reserve Course, NMITC, Dam Neck, VA, will be awarded MOS 0231 as an additional MOS only. SMCR Marines holding additional MOS 0231 may receive primary MOS 0231 after serving 3 years in the billet MOS unless sooner waived by CMC (DirInt).
(4) Must be eligible for a top-secret security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information based on a completed Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). Applications for the SSBI must be submitted prior to attendance of the Intelligence Specialist Course at NMITC, Dam Neck, VA.
(5) Must have 24 months obligated service remaining upon graduation from the MOS producing school.
(6) Must be a U.S. citizen.
(7) All Marines requesting a lateral move into the MOS 0231, USMC AND USMCR, must have a screening interview conducted by a 0231 GySgt or above. Interview waivers can be granted only by the OccFld 02 manager or CMC (MM)

I think with your record, you may have a problem with the single scope investigation. But talking to and being brutally honest with a recruiter may give you some insight.

If you don't get into the Corps, being fluent in nearly 7 languages can be pretty much be a ticket to any job in the private security sector

[Devil1087]

3 or more unfavorable marks on your interview form attached to your contract is ground for a possible DQ, heavy weed smoking along with living outside of the country isn't making things look too good for you. I overlooked your past outside of the country, Europe is fine, the middle east doesn't look good especially if it was a long period of time you were there.

Maybe, ask a recruiter though.

[Kegler300]

Had an SCI screening yet?

[Covey_Rider]

Here's the BIG question. Are you a natural born U.S. citizen and do you currently hold dual citizenship with any other countries? Are your parents U.S. citizens? From the sound of things, you have traveled quite a bit and I'm going to assume that part of it may be family related. That will play a MAJOR role in whether or not you are eligible for a clearance.

[potential0231]

Kegler: no sir, I haven't even begun the process yet.

Covey_Rider: Born and raised in the U.S., parents naturalized. I hold foreign passports w/ 1 South American and one European country. From what I understand, this can be mitigated by demonstrating a preference for the U.S. by renouncing those citizenships, which I'd be more than willing to do. Also, I've never actually used those to travel.

As for the Middle East, I was studying Arabic there both times under study abroad programs, in accredited schools headed (mostly) by Americans. Both times I either lived or had extensive contact with members of our armed forces, who will naturally be listed as references.

I appreciate the replies, the encouragement, and the smacks of reality, Marines. I didn't even think most would bother with a question like this. I'm gonna meet a recruiter in May, so far he seems pretty optimistic but I guess we'll see. Thanks again!

[Devil1087]

Good luck, you may be a bit iffy, I'd recommend checking out the 0231 sticky in this subforum, some good info as well as a link to a site that shows why people were denied the clearance that's in that thread.