Possible DQ?

[DukeAndrewJ]

So like my father did 40 years ago, I decided grad school is boring me to death and I want to pursue a career as an officer in the Navy. And like many other posters on here, I am a bit nervous about mistakes made in college.

I know this stuff gets brought up A LOT and I am sure you experienced users are tired of this, but I have read all the threads I could find on drug use etc but haven't found this question before.

I smoked marijuana a handful of times in college (~5) which I hear is not an automatic DQ if I have a good application, but I am curious about whether using adderall without a prescription will make me dead in the water. I don't have ADD, but on 4-5 occassions in college a friend gave me adderall when I had to pull all-nighters because it helps keep you awake. I only did it my junior year, and senior year I decided I didn't want to rely on a crutch to get through tough nights so I never used it again. It's been 2 years since I did this.

I have received some dubious advice about not revealing certain information on my application, but I am not about to commit a felony. I figure it is better to earn a rejection letter than cheat my way in.

I did pretty well in college (3.4 GPA with a BS in biology) and now I have a 3.9 in grad school.

I have discussed it with my recruiter but I get the impression he would just rather not hear about. Anyone have any advice?

Oh yeah, one other incident: when I was 20 I received a citation for underage drinking. I went through some silly class and got it taken off my record, but I am sure they could still find it if they wanted to. Will all these little things be enough to keep me out? I sure hope not because cruising out on the ocean sounds a heck of a lot better than reading about proteins for the next 5 years. For what it is worth, I am not trying to fly - Surface warfare is my first choice.

 

[scoolbubba]

I have received some dubious advice about not revealing certain information on my application, but I am not about to commit a felony. I figure it is better to earn a rejection letter than cheat my way in.

Looks like you've already got your answer. Apply, see what they say, and if you get in congrats. If you don't, good on you for maintaining your integrity. Seriously. There are plenty of other places that will let you serve/get out of grad school with a few spots on your record.

 

[picklesuit]

Yup, what schoolbubba said...

 

[nugget61]

Looks like you've already got your answer. Apply, see what they say, and if you get in congrats. If you don't, good on you for maintaining your integrity. Seriously. There are plenty of other places that will let you serve/get out of grad school with a few spots on your record.

Out of curiosity, if this doesn't work, can one enlist, prove their worth and then do STA21 or something like that to get an officer slot?

 

[BigIron]

Out of curiosity, if this doesn't work, can one enlist, prove their worth and then do STA21 or something like that to get an officer slot?

I would suggest not enlisting first if being an officer is your goal. With his college degree, he can enlist, but might not be allowed to route a request chit or his officer package until he gets in-rate qualifications and/or his warfare pin. This could take quite awhile. As far as STA-21, most of the guys going for that (that I saw and boarded) were all E-5 and above, a lot of schooling done already, and double warfare qual'd. Extremely competitive program and just because one has a college or graduate degree doesn't automatically make them uber competitive from the enlisted ranks. My opinion.

 

[torpedo0126]

its been awhile since I went through the whole application process...does prior drug use weigh in on the application, or just the security clearance, or Both?

 

[Ken_gone_flying]

With his college degree, he can enlist, but might not be allowed to route a request chit or his officer package until he gets in-rate qualifications and/or his warfare pin.

Thats spot on. If you are going to enlist as a stepping stone to becoming an officer, expect to be enlisted for at least a year (maybe longer depending on your rate, and if you go Aircrew, even longer) before anyone will even entertain you submitting and officer package.

 

[das]

its been awhile since I went through the whole application process...does prior drug use weigh in on the application, or just the security clearance, or Both?

Various Navy commission application processes will ask questions such as:

a. In the last 7 years, has your use of alcoholic beverages or drugs resulted in treatment, rehabilitation or counseling?
b. Since age 16 or in the last 7 years, whichever is shorter, have you illegally used any controlled substance?
c. Have you ever illegally used any controlled substance while employed in a sensitive position?
d. In the last 7 years, have you been involved in illegal drug activity for your own profit or the profit of another?
e. Have you ever been arrested for illegal drug use?
f. Do you fully recognize the negative influence of drug abuse and do you reject future use of illegal drugs?

...so depending on the timeframe, it could be a factor for both the application process itself and a security clearance.

 

[AJTranny]

Don't let anyone discourage you from applying. Expect a lot interviews and painful written statements. But in the end, it's a worthy goal and nothing is written in stone.

 

[Lobster]

AJTranny is absolutely right, if you want it bad enough go after it hard.

 

[DukeAndrewJ]

I appreciate all the support on here. I don't think I have ever wanted anything so much before. I am studying hard for the ASTB and putting together the rest of the application. I guess all I can hope for is that the Navy sees the good with the bad and trusts I have what it takes.

 

[revan1986]

You'll be ok, just be sure to admit your marijuana use on all apps. Boards are willing to overlook this if it's a reasonable number. Good luck

 

[FlyBoyd]

... when I was 20 I received a citation for underage drinking. I went through some silly class and got it taken off my record, but I am sure they could still find it if they wanted to. Will all these little things be enough to keep me out?

No, but the attitude about breaking the law could. I suggest rephrasing how you relay the above info. Disregarding rules/laws (no matter how stupid) will not earn you "cool" points with a board.

 

[DukeAndrewJ]

Yeah I appreciate the advice - I suppose I should have been more careful with my wording. On my application I was not so flippant when describing the drinking citation and I am certainly not expecting "cool points" for getting caught with a Coors

 

[torpedo0126]

when I was stashed at the NROTC unit, i remember finding out that those going nuke could not have smoked weed more than 10x...i found that slightly entertaining.