Hello everybody. Well the subject pretty much states it.

I'm 18 right now and I'm just about ready to finish my AA Degree as well as get my High School Diploma this June with a 3.0 college GPA. On the ASVAB I scored an 89 Overall, which my recruiter seemed very impressed by even though I am not fully aware of how good they are.

I am currently trying to sign up as a 68W - Healthcare Specialist with Airborne option. Just one problem, I have smoked Marijuana.

I have not yet told my recruiter about this as he just gave me a packet to fill out and it asks me about past drug use. Originally I thought that there was no way for them to prove I ever did it (which I happen to know several people who have done just that and none knew any the wiser) but morally I know that I can't. So I am going to tell him about it. I did it 3 or 4 times during my sophomore year and once at a Xmas party this last December.

I have absolutely no criminal record. Not even so much as a speeding ticket. Physically I'm not in the shape I was but I have no condition that I believe would disqualify me for any reason.

I have been told the the Army is very lenient on the whole Pot head thing. But I really want your guys' opinion. It is something I trully regret and have put it behind me but will the military look at this mistake the same?

Not to sound self important or anything but I think I am a reasonably good applicant so should this really set me back at all? I'm really nervous about it. And by admitting that I have done it in the past will that follow me around anywhere to potential employers in the future or a pay-grade advancement?

Thanks for your help everyone.


Bill

It's not a major sin and won't prevent you from entering the service. Admitting it would probably be the best thing.

Well I plan on it. But my recruiter seems to want to get me into MEPs as fast as possible to make sure he can get my MOS into contract for sure. But I personally think he is full of shit and trying to not give me enough time to change my mind. Either way, should I just delay going to MEPs for a couple weeks just to make full sure my system is clean and to prove that I don't have a habit or any sort of thing like that? I was told some recruiters give a Pre-Meps drug test. Can this count against me or is it just for the recruiter to know so his recruit doesn't get black listed and he doesn't meet his quota?

Be straight up with your recruiter. As I understand it, they'll either need to fill out a moral waiver for you, or will consider your past usage as "experimentation" so long as you haven't smoked recently, and in the past, you haven't smoked often. Given what you've told us, I'd say you'd be fine, but your recruiter needs to know about the last time you used (this last Christmas) so that he can take whatever steps are necessary given your situation(he should give you the piss drug test before you go. If you test positive at MEPS, I believe they might actually arrest you there, not sure, since I was last at MEPS myself last August, so it's been a while since I've heard the whole spiel).

Oh, you're recruiter is pushing you to hurry up and get to MEPS b/c of 2 things: 1. he has a quota of new recruits (signatures on the dotted line) to meet, and 2. if you're waivering on going to MEPS, he's afraid you'll change your mind and not go, and he needs to add your name to the list of recruits he's gotten this month. (Apologies to any recruiters out there who take offense to the above. You are free to correct me if I'm wrong)

Billyman

Consider this, don't tell him and when you pop positive, your credibility is lost. Tell them up front and popping positive won't be a show stopper and you can move on with your life and goals.

Credibility and integrity does count for something regardless of what rppearso says. He hasn't chimed in yet, but he will.

I'm going to be up front and tell him. I have also been told on other forums that even admitting to it will instantly DQ me from any healthcare job. Is this true or is someone blowing smoke up my ass?

wouldn't know what to tell you about healthcare professions, but I can see that being the case. Like we've said here, talk w/ your recruiter and see what he says.

Billyman if you got a pothead habit i don't want you next to me in a foxhole nuff said

Only if he's still smokin it, and with all the random piss tests, and not to mention people like me an you, folks that are doing the drugs are soon identified and out-processed. Besides if yer in a foxhole situation and you see that the guy in the next hole or even in yours, is stoned...a good butt stroke solves that little problem. (at least for a while anyway)

Considering marijuana will be legal within the next 10 to 15 years. I don't think it will be that big of a deal. It's already decriminalized in a lot of major cities.

Fox, there are somethings you will never grasp. Being in a foxhole at night with the enemy out in front of you is one of them.

Billyman, it is good that you decided to be honest about it. From what my recruiter told me, drug use will not bar you from service, but could limit what you can do. Medical mos' could be included in that.

Consider the fact that if you lie, and get away with it at first, you may want a job or an assignment later that requires a TS security clearance. In that case they conduct interviews of your references, and ask your references for references. Somewhere down the line it is likely someone would mention that one time you got high. You will be denied a security clearance based just on that since you lied, and could be discharged.

Regardless, fear of getting caught should not be a reason for telling the truth. HONOR should be.

Good luck, and I hope you can find an MOS you enjoy.

BillyMan, just a word of warning, if you are not aware of it, the Army does have a zero tolerance policy on drug use. The Army adapted a "Not in my Army" attitude because of past drug problems in the service. So young man be forewarned.

Anyone know the percentage of people when inlisting
who have smoked marijuana at some point in their lives ? im sure its higher then people think .

well im going into the marine corps and i have smoked in the past and i have quit and realy want to become a scout sniper or force recon but like this forum says i cant get high clerence and im pretty sure these jobs require that but is there any way ifi continue to serve if i can get clerence for these jobs farther down the road.

You can get a clearance, it just takes time. All this talk about if you EVER do drugs or declared bankruptcy is bunk. You can still get a clearance, provided there is not a pattern of....stupidity on your part.