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USMC Drug Waivers for OCS

firefox

New Member
I was wondering whether waivers could be approved for Marine Corps OCS for experimental drug use several years ago. I have a 3.9 GPA as well as a Master's degree in engineering and a 300 PFT as well as team sports and Boy Scout experience. In addition I have a PPL as I would be going for an aviation contract. My test scores are near perfect as well. My only concern is that I have smoked marijuana occasionally until 2 years ago, and that 5 years ago I experimented with LSD 3 times in my freshman year of college. Can waivers be approved for this kind of drug use or is it pretty much a no-go for OCS? Are there differences between waiver likelihoods for different branches? If a waiver is rejected can you reapply for the same waiver with the same branch or with a different branch? I understand I made some stupid decisions when I was younger and I want to know what I can do now to put that behind me and serve my country. Thanks for any advice!
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
I was wondering whether waivers could be approved for Marine Corps OCS for experimental drug use several years ago. I have a 3.9 GPA as well as a Master's degree in engineering and a 300 PFT as well as team sports and Boy Scout experience. In addition I have a PPL as I would be going for an aviation contract. My test scores are near perfect as well. My only concern is that I have smoked marijuana occasionally until 2 years ago, and that 5 years ago I experimented with LSD 3 times in my freshman year of college. Can waivers be approved for this kind of drug use or is it pretty much a no-go for OCS? Are there differences between waiver likelihoods for different branches? If a waiver is rejected can you reapply for the same waiver with the same branch or with a different branch? I understand I made some stupid decisions when I was younger and I want to know what I can do now to put that behind me and serve my country. Thanks for any advice!

No clue about USMC odds, but ask them whenever you talk to an OSO.

For Navy, anything beyond marijuana (like LSD) is treated pretty seriously and can severely hinder your odds of a waiver or getting selected.

I get you’re clean and fine now, but there’s many decisions in the past that unfortunately can make lifetime effects (drug use, serious crimes etc).
 

hlg6016

A/C Wings Here
If it has in fact been years since you have ingested any controled substances why would you even open up about it now?
 

firefox

New Member
My worry is that I will need a Top Secret security clearance down the road and that it may come out then. How extensive is the background investigation and is this a valid concern?
 

Mos

Well-Known Member
None
My worry is that I will need a Top Secret security clearance down the road and that it may come out then. How extensive is the background investigation and is this a valid concern?
A security investigation questionnaire will ask this, among other related questions:
In the last seven (7) years, have you illegally used any drugs or controlled substances? Use of a drug or controlled substance includes injecting, snorting, inhaling, swallowing, experimenting with or otherwise consuming any drug or controlled substance.
In your case, looks like the answer is yes. The answer can't be used against you in criminal proceedings. But not answering truthfully is potentially punishable. Google SF-86 for the form that has all questions from the questionnaire.
 

HSMPBR

Not a misfit toy
pilot
A security investigation questionnaire will ask this, among other related questions:

In your case, looks like the answer is yes. The answer can't be used against you in criminal proceedings. But not answering truthfully is potentially punishable. Google SF-86 for the form that has all questions from the questionnaire.
Google in Chinese and you can find copies of all our old SF-86s too!
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
If it has in fact been years since you have ingested any controled substances why would you even open up about it now?

Terrible, terrible advice to encourage someone to lie. There are many checks in the application/recruiting process - best to be honest and just hope for the best.
 

exNavyOffRec

Well-Known Member
Terrible, terrible advice to encourage someone to lie. There are many checks in the application/recruiting process - best to be honest and just hope for the best.

nothing like a person being interviewed for your security investigation that mentions something you never put on your questionnaire.
 

firefox

New Member
I understand the drug use is treated seriously and affect my chances, but is there any possibility of a waiver? Are waivers like this unheard of? If the rest of my application is solid does that help my chances of getting a waiver or approved or is the process separate? Does it help that the drug use was several years ago and minor and experimental?
 

Swanee

Cereal Killer
pilot
None
Contributor
I understand the drug use is treated seriously and affect my chances, but is there any possibility of a waiver? Are waivers like this unheard of? If the rest of my application is solid does that help my chances of getting a waiver or approved or is the process separate? Does it help that the drug use was several years ago and minor and experimental?

When the economy is crummy and there isn't a big war going on there aren't a lot of waivers. When the economy is good and there is a big shooting war going on, recruiters hand out waivers like that awesome old lady on halloween.


Timing is everything, luck is next, then everything else.
 

Treetop Flyer

Well-Known Member
pilot
I understand the drug use is treated seriously and affect my chances, but is there any possibility of a waiver? Are waivers like this unheard of? If the rest of my application is solid does that help my chances of getting a waiver or approved or is the process separate? Does it help that the drug use was several years ago and minor and experimental?

I have no inside knowledge of the current waiver process but a waiver for marijuana is not uncommon. I’d guess a waiver for repeated use of LSD is probably unlikely.
 

hlg6016

A/C Wings Here
Bear in mind that my experience in the process is from a past century, During the process we where informed of the DOD wide drug policy and I specifically recall being asked 3 questions.
Do you have any issues in complying with the DOD's policies regarding controlled substances?
Do you currently or have you recently taken any controlled substances?
Will you have any problems passing a drug test today?
Any thing other than a negative response and you where asked to move along, thank you for applying.

While I am not encouraging anybody to outright lie during the enlistment process there is a chance that being too honest will have a negative effect.
In short certain things nowadays are legal that where felonies in my time, be careful with your answers other posters here have more recent knowledge of the answers you need I advise you to listen to them.
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
I understand the drug use is treated seriously and affect my chances, but is there any possibility of a waiver? Are waivers like this unheard of? If the rest of my application is solid does that help my chances of getting a waiver or approved or is the process separate? Does it help that the drug use was several years ago and minor and experimental?

Ask your OSO, dude. This was suggested to you before.

No clue how the marine corps treats drug waivers.
 

USMCBebop

SergeantLieutenant
The LSD will be the issue.

If it was just the MJ, it's waivable depending on the frequency of use.

As was said, ask the OSO.

Waivers are dependent on the needs of the Corps.
 
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