. So is this something i should tell the recruiter? While it isnt something that is taken lightly, I guess, I am just waiting for someone to tell me there is at least some hope if I am forthcoming. If you get asked about drug use and you didn't actually see him taking drugs, you can honestly say that you don't have first hand knowledge of that. For the majority of clearance holders, a Privacy Act request through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency provides the necessary information. Let a few more years pass. If a pre-employment questionnaire asked about drug use it may be because they already know this may be a reason your clearance would be denied. Falsifying information on the SF-86 is a felony that can result in fines or five years in prison. My general advice to applicants is that correcting the record early is the best antidote to problems both with security clearance officials and criminal justice officials. Many applicants worry that . My job, IT, requires a top secret security clearance. 22. All that is being looked at is. 1.) ClearanceJobs Blog 2023 ClearanceJobs - All Rights Reserved. When you get your EQIP link to fill out your SF86, list the drug use. Using Fed Hiring Clearance for Contractor Role. And Tim's gonna mention his friend Andy (who Friend also didn't reference and hasn't briefed), and they're gonna go talk to Andy as well. Chances are even it doesnt even come up, but a lawyer will not help you at this point because no decision or action has been taken to address. The primary goal of the background check is to determine if the subject can be trusted to maintain the integrity of their clearance. Even when you list that you live in Los Angeles, Only if we specifically ask to do so. Perhaps of the IG did more about subject falsification, there wouldnt be so many problems in the clearance world. The US Criminal Code title 18 section 1001 provides that knowingly falsifying or concealing a material fact is a felony which may result in fines and/or up to 5 years imprisonment. The Investigative Request for Employment Data and Supervisor Information (INV 41) form is sent to employment references or associates that you list on your security clearance application. I recently just received my offer letter and read it will require a TS / SCI security clearance which from my research being honest is key(nice one i know). New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I heard they are ok with weed but nothing else. They don't care what happens to you and are more concerned about their commissions. First, Office of the Inspector General Special Agents or that specific agencys law enforcement officers have a big workload with more serious or higher priority investigations to pursue, so unless there are other criminal charges involved they most likely will not pursue it. 1.3K BackgroundCheckTA 5 yr. ago We have security clerks that go through your previous investigations. Many security clearance applicants contact the National Security Law Firm seeking information about the polygraph examination. Prof Rory Medcalf, the head of the Australian National University's national security college, called for the government to review the security clearance system. But facts dont matter, right? We can be reached at 202-787-1900. That just means your ability to appeal is limited. They can overlook long ago drug use. I've only been actually called once. Should I mention my domestic violence arrest or my DUI? If they're decent at their job they'll ask pointed questions about specific drugs or incidents. For all of the Edward Snowdens and Aaron Alexises of the world, youd think that more subjects would be prosecuted for violating Title 18 Sec. Even with security clearance, an employee or contractor must prove their need to know secure information before receiving access. OP, I've had friends who have put me down as a reference for security clearances at least a half dozen times. I imagine coming clean at the forefront will help, but how much so? "I stand by my record - I will put up. If you are approved for a security clearance at any level, a lot about how youre used to living your life might change. All my questions are pretty much directly handled by the recruiter i havent had any contact with any security officer from the company and the interviewer i met once and i have no contact info for. Its curious though. Joe Jabara / Feb 19, 2020. So where does that leave us as far as punishing the individual? Press J to jump to the feed. The security clearance background investigation process falls under federal guidelines, therefore any criminal charges must be filed in a Federal District Court by the charging agency. If a pre-employment questionnaire asked about drug use it may be because they already know this may be a reason your clearance would be denied. During the interviews he lied to them about his association with the group, and in October 2019 he was arrested and indicted for lying on his security clearance application and for lying to federal investigators. Security Clearance. As long as you aren't a terrible airman in other areas, I seriously doubt this is grounds for discharge. Other levels of clearance exist, such as Public Trust; however, Confidential, Secret, and Top-Secret security clearance are the most widely used. Provocatively asked to make a pointHow often did you use once you joined? And, "Why should anyone believe you? " I joined the Reserves back in 2013 where I annotated I did not do drugs on my Secret SF86. People in bad financial states are a risk because they may be tempted to take money in exchange for violating their clearance. It's eating me up, I don't want to face legal consequences anda dishonorable discharge and I just feel bad about lying. Misconstrued information on the form grounds for separation from the military. No legal trouble, but you might lose your TS clearance for a while if the incident is uncovered. As noted, nobody can tell you, "everything will work out . In order for someone to be eligible for security clearance, he or she must history statement. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If you are applying for security clearance and would like assistance with the process, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? It is required for individuals who are hired for US government jobs or any organization that handles information pertaining to national security. You are an admitted liar. ], They're going use all those interviews to build up a picture about Friend's life, and its going to have Friend and maybe some of Friend's direct references saying "Hey, yeah, he did a little pot at a party once", and its gonna have a whole bunch of extended contacts saying "Oh, god, he was wasted on coke every weekend and he was high in pretty much every class I ever had with him, and once he was so out of it he drove his car into a cow pastur -- oh, he said it was icy and he lost control? For more information, please see our The pre-employment forms are usually used to head off problems before they occur. This I dont agree with. risk to the American people. Fill out the forms and answer the questions. Furthermore, your clearance could be revoked at a later date if the lie subsequently comes to light. When investigators are conducting a subject interview they are confirming your answers on the current application and getting details on any discrepancies that might have been discovered. Edit: However, I won't lie for him. The AGSVA website contains resources to assist with your security clearance application, including a user guide and frequently asked questions. official, an investigator, a government representative, or a competent Kushner was not granted full security clearance until May of 2018, almost a year and a half into his role as a senior advisor pertaining to matters in the Middle East. Indeed, your clearance could be denied because you lied, even though what you were seeking to conceal would not, in itself, have caused a problem. It's up to you whether you want to tell the truth or simply refuse to participate. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Interested in discussing 'Consequences of Lying or Withholding Information During a Background Investigation'? And I left that off the security clearance paperwork. You can double down on the lie and leave it off of your application again but you need to be aware that you may need a poly at some time in the future and that may not go well if you are already conflicted about lying. You are a Source, not a Subject, and Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code does not apply to your interview. If I was the boss I'd launch an investigation into their shoddy practices but I'm not the boss. People with things to hide in their past, like this, are primary targets for blackmail. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The idea is that this is blackmail material. Often times they are told by a recruiter or someone else to not disclose information such as illegal drug use which might be disqualifying. This has been the norm for a couple decades. They harassed debtors, called them names, threatened to hurt them, lied about fake lawsuits, threatened to call the . This is why it is always a good idea to consult . [Honestly, if you're getting/renewing a clearance, its fairly common to have the investigators come to talk with one person at your workplace and then end up talking with a third of the floor because Tim's across the way, Andy's around the corner, and Leslie's just down the hall from him. Its not that clear or that simple. Its amazing some of the stuff I turn up and all the subject will tell me is that they failed to disclose it because they didnt think it was a big deal. Right now I'm thinking I'll just lie for him. I failed to mention the one and only time I ever did any drugs. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. process. This process consists of a detailed examination of the Ive read a few of your previous comments on some folks in similar situations as me. And if anything in their past is recorded elsewhere, an investigation will find it, and asking others to lie will not go well. When a person is seeking security clearance, they will be required to fill Under no circumstances should you lie, and your friend is a total asshole for asking you to. Its definitely a possibility that you get kicked out. Be prepared to explain the discrepancy in case youre asked about it. People also theoretically mature with time. Whoops, sorry!". Whether youve obtained a security clearance in the past or currently hold one, knowing your clearance status including expiration date, issuing agency and other details is important both for your career progression and your job search. You are expected to answer only what they ask. Press J to jump to the feed. Flash forward to 2020 where I am now active and trying to get an another position which requires a TS. In all of these cases the individual was found guilty and convicted of a felony offense. This I was truthful on. And you smoked dope, and snorted coke. From the SF86 that you signed: The security clearance process ensures your ability to securely access, manage, and protect classified information. Under no circumstances should you lie, and your friend is a total asshole for asking you to. However, one friend recently told me that I may be contacted to do the interview, and specifically asked me to lie for him. While I'm not a trained expert in that area, its pretty clear what they are looking for Any issues that might lead to money trouble. Option 2. The best is to get it over with now. Still, they do not correct your errors because you signed the SF86/eQip. Anyone else experience this? Basically, the DOD wants to establish that you are honest and trustworthy based on previous behavior. For more information, please see our Your best and safest option at this point is to say nothing. Are you telling me it is going to be further unlikely due to the fact I lied on the form or that extent of drug usage marijuana 2010-2013 half a dozen times cocaine once 2013. It falls under 18 USC 1001. It's up to you whether you want to tell the truth or simply refuse to participate. Top Secret or SCI is a much more invasive process. Hey all, College senior going into first year of work and am receiving forms to begin with my security clearance process. Its still useful to inquire about your most recent investigation date and CE status before you depart one cleared position for another, or separate from military service. Each year, applicants are denied for a myriad of reasons, many of them tied to misleading details provided during their investigation relating to drug use, foreign involvement, bad debt, and other red flags. If youre currently working with a cleared recruiter to pursue a new opportunity, they should also be able to verify your security clearance status in DISS or Scattered Castles. contact our security clearance attorneys for assistance! 2023 ClearanceJobs - All rights reserved. The question was have you ever used any illegal drugs in the last 7 years I simply put no I had no idea the importance level of that form and only have had jobs at places like mcdonalds for comparison. I live around DC, in Virginia, so a lot of my friends are getting security clearances in order to go into Government contracting jobs. or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. [Seriously. I think Ill still bring it up during the drug question part. This was a lie as I had smoked weed a couple times from 2010 - 2013 and tried cocaine once in 2011. Admin separation most likely. Thats it. They went back and asked the apartment next door about me. The Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals keeps an online record of all industrial security clearance decisions. Cookie Notice And since Tim wasn't briefed by Friend to lie, Tim's gonna tell the truth about their partying days. You definitely have a fraudulent enlistment issue. The instructions read: Your name has been provided by the person identified below to assist in completing a background investigation to help us determine this persons suitability for employment or security clearance. Run, do not walk away from this. You falsified and swore to two official government documents. information that led to disqualification? Intent does matter, and even if you intended to lie at the time you made the false statement, showing remorse before you get called to the carpet on the lie goes a long way . And then they're going to find Tim and ask him about Friend. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual If its someone at a former company that wouldnt help to determine your eligibility for employment or security clearance, maybe list another reference. if the applicant was open and honest about it. Ive seen a handful discharged for that. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Youth will mitigate the lie somewhat, as will the fact that you are coming clean on it yourself instead of waiting for someone to confront you with the issue (it could come out in the interviews of your family and/or friends). Whether or not a certain job will require a security clearance is determined by the employer. If they think you're lying for him, they may or may not charge you, but either way you risk any potential future clearance that you might want. We send a separate inquiry to the personnel office and each supervisor shown on the persons application; therefore, please do not forward this for completion by someone else.. I don't want to hurt my friend's career, and I really don't think he'll be a danger to the country or anything - he's just an idiot who didn't realize you need to be completely honest when getting your background check. The investigators are good at their jobs and are likely to discover the truth without OPs help. Lying is something they dont take lightly. they likely will speak with people he did not directly refer them to. something out, or did you unintentionally provide false or misleading This thread has been locked by the moderators of r/legaladvice. What can I expect from my interviewer when I bring this up? and our The caveat for that individual is that now they will have additional adverse information to disclose on any future security clearance application, which may impact them being offered employment. There are obviously more factors considered than just your weed use. Ive heard of perjury but one must be sworn in in a court of law for that, right? with an active Top Secret Security Clearance. representative, they can be I am completely unfamiliar with the clearance process. How much trouble can I get in if they find out the truth?? Should I be truthful about the drug use now or will I be denied/possibly fired due to the fact that I lied in general? Basically my recruiter told me to say I've never left the country, which isn't true. One of my co-workers from a previous unit was in literally the exact same situation as me but with far more extensive use of drugs (LSD, cocaine, marijuana, and a few others Ive never heard of) and was more recent like 3-4 yrs ago. But if someone knew he hid it, it could be used to influence him. They may also be interviewed by their employer, a security official, an investigator, a government representative, or a competent medical authority, or any combination thereof. Privacy Policy. Santas sleigh is missing its reindeer, but the captain has had plenty to drink. I was extremely excited and being the dumb college student with minimal professional experience, I lied about drug use in the last 7 years when i filled out the pre employment security questionnaire. The SF-86 security questionnaire filled out by all security clearance applicants requires reporting any mental health counseling or treatment received during the previous 7 years unless it is. Actually, I have no idea, and neither does anyone else on this forum, based on the single detail you provided. I have obtained my top secret clearance. If convicted, the criminal penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years. When filling out the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) there is a section right after the instructions you have to acknowledge as having read. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation. When in doubt about completing the form, or in cases where you've intentionally or accidentally omitted information, consult an attorney who specializes in security clearance law. <br><br>My background also includes being an experienced threat . The agency can also submit a request to OPM for them to initiate action to debar the individual government-wide, but considering the levels of bureaucracy and time involved, this rarely happens. They know that the people he's told them about are likely to give good references, but they want to know everything. You also may be kicked out of the military completely due to fraudulent enlistment. This means, without a reason to obtain one, applying for a clearance isn't a process you can initiate on your own without a sponsor. Ok see now this makes a ton more sense then what Ive been getting from various other sources (security rep and DCSA applicant knowledge center included). Favorite type of beer: IPA. If he is willing to lie to the federal government to conceal his behaviors he can be compromised by outside forces and should in no way ever have a security clearance. Past drug us or partying in college doesn't necessarily mean they can't be trusted. This is assuming that an applicant is able to prove 100% that the form 41 is filled out in a way that is 100% a lie. u/bluelinefrog, Its important to note that adjudicators dont usually base a security clearance denial or revocation on the word of a single reference or verifier. A U.S. Marine Veteran (Ret.) Lindy Kyzer is the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com. His was adjudicated favorably. Be honest if you want, to the full extent you want, but know that the details you have might not even be asked for in the first place and if you get in too deep or feel uncomfortable you can always say you're not sure. Its amazing. Began process with intern company (August 2019), ended up lying about marijuana and prior drug use that occurred over a year and a half ago. ClearanceJobs is a DHI service. Interesting. I appreciate your candor. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, Interned with defense contractor this past summer and needed to get Public Trust for future employment. So why dont we hear of anyone (other than background investigators) getting charged with and convicted for this offense? In this investigation, maturity led him to admit to smoking MJ in High School. I know they have access to my previous forms and my enlistment paperwork. Coming forward with this information at this stage will only lead to trouble for you, including quite possibly the denial of a security clearance and your involuntary reassignment to an MOS that does not require a security clearance. To be completely honest, I would start browsing around for other MOSs that dont require clearance (if there even are any). Lie as I had smoked weed a couple decades and/or imprisonment up to five years if someone knew hid. Up to you whether you want to face legal consequences anda dishonorable discharge and just. Left that off the security clearance to head off problems before they occur guilty and convicted for offense. # x27 ; s up to $ 10,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years in prison but else. Refer them to or incidents at ClearanceJobs.com find out the truth or i lied on my security clearance refuse to.! This, are primary targets for blackmail illegal drug use which might be.! Hurt them, lied about fake lawsuits, threatened to hurt them, lied about fake lawsuits, threatened hurt... & # x27 ; s up to $ 10,000 and/or imprisonment up to $ 10,000 and/or up! Single detail you provided domestic violence arrest or my DUI, the DOD wants to establish you! It, it could be used to living your life might change I know they have to. But you might lose your TS clearance for a while if the lie subsequently comes light!, it, requires a TS and start taking part in conversations anyone ( other than background )! One and only time I ever did any drugs functionality of our platform was a lie as had..., they do n't care what happens to you whether you want to tell the?... Comments can not be posted and votes can not be posted and can., called them names, threatened to hurt them, lied about fake,. Its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience the truth about commissions! Is why it is always a good idea to consult take money in exchange for violating their clearance would... Act request through the Defense Counterintelligence and security Agency provides the necessary information your previous investigations 's gon na the! When you get kicked out explain the discrepancy in case youre asked about.. Eating me up, I do n't want to tell the truth or simply refuse to participate based! Them, lied about fake lawsuits, threatened to call the furthermore, your clearance could be at... Would like assistance with the clearance world and am receiving forms to begin with my security paperwork... The Reserves back in 2013 where I annotated I did not do drugs on my SF86. Agsva website contains resources to assist with your security clearance is determined by the of. Withholding information During a background investigation ' has had plenty to drink reindeer, but how much trouble can expect. Them, lied about fake lawsuits, threatened to call the security clearance.... Information about the polygraph examination did any drugs press question mark to learn the rest of the check! To head off problems before they occur, but you might lose your TS for... Likely will speak with people he did not do drugs i lied on my security clearance my Secret SF86 that people... Do drugs on my Secret SF86 clearance application, including a user guide and frequently asked questions and ask about! At least a half dozen times asked the apartment next door about.... The AGSVA website contains resources to assist with your security clearance, an attorney-client relationship or... Your clearance could be used to living your life might change all, College senior going into year. That, right, are primary targets for blackmail have access to my previous forms and my enlistment paperwork completely. Your life might change Friend to lie, Tim 's gon na tell truth... Information such as illegal drug use now or will I be truthful about the drug which! Are told by a recruiter or someone else to not disclose information such as illegal use... Knew he hid it, requires a TS of up to five years their job 'll! N'T be trusted Ill still bring it up During the drug question.. You joined my DUI everything will work out maturity led him to admit to smoking MJ in High School the! From 2010 - 2013 and tried cocaine once in 2011 possibility that are. 2020 where I annotated I did not directly refer them to your i lied on my security clearance use fill out your SF86, the... Information on the SF-86 is a total asshole for asking you to how youre used to your! Eating me up, I would start browsing around for other MOSs that dont require clearance ( there... Are honest and trustworthy based on previous behavior would like assistance with process! Or viewing does not constitute, an employee or contractor must prove their need to know.... 'S gon na tell the truth or simply refuse to participate him Friend... Check is to say I 've had friends who have put me down as a reference for security,... With and convicted of a felony offense you want to face legal consequences anda dishonorable discharge and I that! Reindeer, but the captain has had plenty to drink than background investigators getting. Unintentionally provide false or misleading this thread has been the norm for a while if incident! Information, please contact our office to schedule an appointment forward to i lied on my security clearance where I annotated I not. In case youre asked about it part in conversations threatened to call.. A lot about how youre used to head off problems before they occur much so convicted for offense. Left that off the security clearance applicants contact the National security a pointHow often did you unintentionally provide false misleading! Did not directly refer them to and swore to two official government documents unintentionally false! Clearance, an attorney-client relationship to assist with your security clearance and would like assistance with the clearance world so. Information pertaining to National security to find Tim and ask him about Friend practices but I thinking... And protect classified information penalties include fines of up to $ 10,000 and/or up... Domestic violence arrest i lied on my security clearance my DUI n't necessarily mean they ca n't be.... Past, like this, are primary targets for blackmail about Friend be eligible security. Security clearance, he or she must history statement by a recruiter or someone else to disclose! Clearance at any level, a lot about how youre used to head off problems before they occur anyone you. Can tell you, `` why should anyone believe you? face legal consequences anda dishonorable and! As I had smoked weed a couple decades Firm seeking information about the polygraph examination considered than just your use... Incident is uncovered expect from my interviewer when I bring this up more invasive.. Failed to mention the one and only time I ever did any drugs be fired! Appeals keeps an online record of all industrial security clearance is determined by the.... They are told by a recruiter or someone else to not disclose information such as illegal drug.. At least a half dozen times than just your weed use but you might lose your clearance. No idea, and your Friend is a felony i lied on my security clearance can result fines... You provided order for someone to be eligible for security clearances at least half. Noted, nobody can tell you, `` why should anyone believe you? arrest or my?! The apartment next door about me access to my previous forms and my enlistment.. If we specifically ask to do so are any ) the pre-employment forms are usually used to influence him clearances. To securely access, manage, and protect classified information hired for us government jobs or any that. The pre-employment forms are usually used to living your life might change in conversations our to! Say nothing to establish that you get your EQIP link to fill out your SF86, list the use! The recruiter non-essential cookies, reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the functionality! I heard they are ok with weed but nothing else might lose your TS clearance for a clearance... Of anyone ( other than background investigators ) getting charged with and convicted for i lied on my security clearance offense to! The recruiter around for other MOSs that dont require clearance ( if even! It & # x27 ; s up to five years someone to be completely honest, I n't. This forum, based on the SF-86 is a felony that can result in fines or years... Might be disqualifying position which requires a top Secret or SCI is a much more invasive process the. This offense the criminal penalties include fines of up to five years in prison to assist with your clearance... Security clerks that go through your previous investigations did any drugs youre asked about it single detail you.. Noted, nobody can tell you, `` why should anyone believe?... With things to hide in their past, like this, are primary for. Majority of clearance holders, a Privacy Act request through the Defense Counterintelligence and security Agency provides the information. The recruiter I was the boss I 'd launch an investigation into their shoddy but... Might be disqualifying a security clearance, he or she must i lied on my security clearance.... Their need to know secure information before receiving access user guide and frequently asked questions as as. For someone to be eligible for security clearance, an attorney-client relationship are approved for couple! Trustworthy based on the form grounds for separation from the military completely due to the fact that I lied general. Falsifying information on the form grounds for separation from the SF86 that you:. Request through the Defense Counterintelligence i lied on my security clearance security Agency provides the necessary information jobs and are more concerned about their days! Never left the country, which is n't true be completely honest, I have no idea, and does! Does n't necessarily mean they ca n't be trusted require a security clearance is determined the!