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909 Responses to “Navy Drug Waivers”
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Dear Sir,
I would love to enlist as a CTI, but I’m afraid that past drug use might disqualify me. I attended a top 25 nationally ranked university where I experimented with Cocaine, MDMA, Psilocybin Mushrooms, and LSD. Additionally, I have smoked Marijuana occasionally throughout, sometimes heavily but usually sparsely. The drugs I have tried have been at small dosages and only once each. The usage occurred over a period of two years from 2004-2006. The last time I smoked Marijuana was during the spring of 2009.
I am a libertarian and think as a citizen I should have the complete liberty to put any substance in my body as I choose. I do, however, regret that I did have to break the law to this, but in no shape or form do I think the usage violated my moral, physical, or mental constitution. I regret my experimentation but it’s been over five years since my last usage and I am a completely different person and intend never to use again. I do not think this will effect my ability to excel at my rating, nor would it compromise my allegiance to my country. There is no record of my use with the authorities, I just want to be completely honest about my past.
I did however have difficulties at my university, but this was in no way shaped by my drug usage. My cousin committed suicide in my first year of college which galvanized an existential crisis that took many years of reading, meditating, and debate to recover from. Unfortunately, I opted not to take a break from school and naturally did not put much effort into my classes. By the time I was ready to take school seriously again I was in deep academic and financial trouble. I was nearly ready to graduate in the summer of 2008 when the nascent financial crisis prevented me from obtaining one last student loan. I still need to pay for 16 units to graduate, but I know that I can do that rather easily once I am in the Navy.
Additionally, I have racked up a few public transportation ticket fare evasion violations during 2008-09, though these were due to negligence on my part and not from any purposeful intentions. I still owe money for them and hope to find a way to pay for them soon.
I have no doubt in my mind that I can score highly on the ASVAB and DLAB. I also have no doubt that all of my references will corroborate that I am of outstanding moral character. I just had a rough time during that period of my life and do not think this should condemn me forever, especially considering the great asset I know I could become for the Navy. I’ve never been in treatment nor felt any inkling of dependency. How likely do you think I can receive a drug waiver? What is their definition of experimentation?
I’ve read several cases studies of top secret clearances from DOD and have seen several instances of people with actual histories of drug abuse, and not just use, get accepted, though I’m afraid that they might just be contractors and not military personnel. I’ve built up extensive arguments in my head why my drug history should not be a factor, but I’ll save you the trouble. Your response is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
kate
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Sir,
Thank you for the response. I am aware of the restrictions from my fines and I am currently trying to handle them. I have a total of fours tickets plus a backseat seat belt violation ticket from 2006. I have paid the latter off and one of the four tickets. How often do they change moratorium status? If I went in a few months, after I’ve paid my tickets, might it be different? I’m afraid I will disclose my past and then be punished just for being honest because none of this is public record.
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so if I’ve done drugs before in the past i can still enlist in the Navy?
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NCCM, I just recently enlisted in the Navy with a promise that I would be accepted as an HM. I received a possession of marijuana ticket a couple of years ago and was granted an enlistment waiver for it. But at MEPS they said because of the charge I don’t qualify for HM. My recruiter said that there is absolutely nothing he can do about getting another waiver for the program and that I would have to wait until I completed two years of active duty in the rate that I was assigned. Basically the only reason I joined the military was to be in it, in some kind of medical field. Is it true that in no way I can be granted a waiver? Or that I have to wait two years? I wish they would have not promised me the medical job from the beginning as I would have talked to the other branches about their program requirements first.
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I was charged with a marijuana possecion which was dismissed without prejudice. which means my case is dismissed but can be re-opend if they find further evidence it has been almost a year now since this has happend. would this keep me from joining the navy?
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What exactly do you mean by conditions placed by the court? I have been to meps and they denied me after a guy Googled the words dissmised without prejudice. I dont think i was treated fair my case is not currently open and nothing is pending. I was not put on prohibation, nor did i have to do community service ect. I talked with a lady that worked at the court to try to change my dissmisal to with prejudice instead of with out she told me the only way they put with prejudice is if the person dies. She also told my thier is like a one in a million chance of my case ever being re=opend she says it never happens. I just wana see who i can contact to see if i was treated fair or should i just try another branch? thanks for your replies.
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Ok thanks for the help i will see what i can do hope the prosecuter is willing to help
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Oh and one more thing do all drug charge dissmisals go threw legal?
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I have a question, several years ago, I was drunk (I don’t touch the stuff now), and while in that state of inebriation I smoked a joint. That was my only time of ever touching it, but when I went to MEPS, not exactly remembering what I had done, my test came back positive. Is there no way to get a waiver for that one incident? I am really trying to find this out b/c I do wish to serve in the our military. This black cloud has followed me around ever since, and I am hoping that there is a chance for enlisting. This has been something I have regretted ever since & am praying that some how, some way, it won’t prevent me from something I have wanted to do for a very long time.
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Hey i got arrested for possesion with intent to distrubute because I didnt have my medication in the right container. The very next morning at first appearance court my mom brought the perscription bottle to the court and it immediatly got dismissed. Will this prevent me from joing’
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Sir,
I have for a long time, wanted to be a SEAL. I used MDMA (ecstasy) 2 times when I was 17 and am worried that this would prevent me from joining or having a shot at BUD/S. I am now almost 29, have a college degree, and have not touched a drug of any sort for almost 12 years. Would this disqualify me from getting a high securtiy clearance? Thank you for your time.
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Im interested in joining the Navy, actually I want to join, an my question is; If i have a medical Marijuana card am I disqualified. I recently quit smoking an my card doesnt expire till april.I am not goin to renew it because i want to be done with that an it was a mistake getting it. I was sidetracked from my goal of joinin Navy an now i just want to enlist an begin my career in the Navy. Im afraid that getting my card will take my dream away from me. Im only 19, what do I do.?Pls help
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Sir,
Thank you for your response. I was afraid of that. I understand that rules are there for a reason. Do you know why this is the case? I know the Navy has their reasons. I was just always wondering why this is the case. Thank you again for your time.
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I understand completely. It is my own fault. Rules are rules. I should have been smarter when I was young. Thank you again for your time and for answering my questions.
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Hello, I am trying to Enlist in the Navy and i have all of the paperwork done for my OSVET waiver but i have smoked Marijuana twice my entire life and was wondering if that disqualifies me from the military?? i have never failed a drug test and like I said i only did it twice just to experiment never been convicted of anything my record is clean!!
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So if I smoked marijuana a month ago but have quit, (I only smoked it for that one month with my best friend before we planed to join just to have some fun) do I have to wait like a year to join or can I still join as long as there is no THC in your system when you go into MEPS? Thanks
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Hi, I am on a sleeping medication prescription, but the army disqualified me when i was on the day to go to meps, does the navy allowed prescription medication? This is my only issue in joining the military ,I am target weight now. Navy was my original choice but at the time I was over-weight
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My son was arrested for possession of cocaine and a misdemeanor of drug paraphernalia. Both charges were dropped. He is trying to get an SO contract. He scored an 88 on the ASVAB and his unofficial PST scores are inline with the current SEAL requirements.
Is he still eligible for SEAL? -
We approached the court with the knowledge that the Navy would not allow him a SEAL contract if he completed any actions required by the court. The court essentially granted him a one time free pass. Our concern is how will the Navy view the charges even though they were Nolle Prossed as the say in legal terms.
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Hello, I am currently on an ACD for posssesioin of Marijuana my ACD ends on march 8,2012 and on that date it will be dropped like in never happend. My recutitor for the Navy said that they can give me a wavier for it and I will be able to join but I was wondering if the Marines do that as well? Since they work hand in hand I wouldnt think this would be a problmk. So would I be eligable for both the Navy and the Marines?
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I have a son who has used marijuana regularly for 4 years. He has never had any arrests for anything or even any traffic tickets. He has been to a Christian men’s facility to get away from his “friends” and straighten himself up. He is very physically fit, athletic and a hard worker. He is interested in joining the military. Would he still be elligible?
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Will my previous use of Marijuana which i experimented with prevent me from Qualifying for EOD and a Secret Clearance
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Sir,
Will anything that happened to me as a minor be held against me when applying for the service, or will school suspensions resulting in an off campus detention school inside the district require me to have a waiver or writ of statement to be allowed in. 1st was possession of mj but later sealed in court then 2nd was just a school detention campus with no criminal charges filed. and a friend would like to know if a paraphernalia ticket when he was 16 will mess up his application.
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Hi, I experimented with cocaine 1 time 6 years ago and have only done marijuana a hand full of times. Would I be disqualified from joining the navy?
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Sir,
In November and December of 2010 I was going through a tough time and experimented with drugs, which ultimately led to two hospitalizations. I was a minor then and am not sure if that will have an effect on going to MEPS and being able to enlist or not..I can honestly say I am a changed person now and have no desire to ever use illegal drugs again. I would be honored to serve our country and was wondering if my past mistakes have jeopardized my future in such a catastrophic way that i will never be able to join. -thank you -
1 major misconduct drug charge and 2 or more additional offenses one is a dui and and one is poss of mj can i get a wavier?
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But if wwIII breaks out im sure they would love to have me. Thank you for your time God Bless
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HELLO,IM TRYING TO JOIN THE NAVY I WANTED TO KNOW IF I QUALILY BEFORE I GO IN AND THEY REJECT ME, I BEEN ARRESTED WHEN I WAS 17 FOR MARIJUANNA AND IM 22 NOW I HAVE A ASSUALT CHARGE BUT IT WAS DROPPED AND I GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH MY LITTLE SISTER AND MY MOM CALLED THE POLICE TO TEACH US A LESSON AND THEY END UP TAKING ME TO JAIL BECAUSE I WAS OLDER
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I’m interested in joining the navy. Are unpaid medical bills considered in any way when determining qualification??? Also I was hospitalized for an allergic reaction the first and only time I’ve ever done hallucinogenic mushrooms. What repercussions might this have on my being elligable???
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I’m very interested in joining the navy and though I have never smoked marijuana for extended periods of time (tried it when I was in the adolescent rebellious face alongside with drinking,which I’ve abandoned completely 4 years ago) I did smoke a joint about three weeks ago on a date. Would that show up on a test and would it disqualify me to admit to have ever used marijuana?
Thanks in advance whatever the answer!
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Hi, i know you said you will not use specific numbers but ill just give you as much info as possible. I recently tried to apply for the Marine Corps PLC, and on the questionnaire it asked how many times have you tried marijuana. I did not know for sure (i didn’t count) but the OSO just wanted a specific number, so i put 22. I also have a simple possession charge from when I was 17. I am a freshman in college now and haven’t touched marijuana since that charge. They told me i was disqualified. Would the same response elicit a DQ for becoming a Navy officer?
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Thanks!
Well I’m currently in europe and found out about the recruiting station in Naples,I’m not sure how long it would take if I get accepted at the pre screen stage which is why I’m wondering if I should include the incident or not. It may sound shady but I’d rather be honest about it though I’d hate to lose a chance to get in
The thing is that though I was thinking with my cock at the moment,I’m more of a fitness inclined person and exercise regularly (don t like the taste but another reason I pass from alcohol and drugs is that they’d negatively affect my performance)
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After reading all of the questions above, I have a question regarding disclosure of drug use. How would anyone know if someone has used drugs in the past unless they apply for the waiver? If the drug test results come back totally clean (even the hair follicle test reporting THC use within the past ~4 years), and no drug use was disclosed, what risks does one have of getting in trouble with the authorities? It seems like if the drug use was merely experimental and there is no risk of recurring use, then the applicant should just say they have never touched it. I hope this reasoning does not come off as dishonest, I just feel that all of these waivers are a lot of extra time and paper work if the usage had no affect on ones credentials. Thank you
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Hi, I have been interested in the CTI program since my junior year in high school after I passed the practice DLAB on the Navy website with 100%. My ASVAB scores show that I am qualified for the career choice and now I am a freshman in college and plan on joining the navy to follow my fathers footsteps. I have tried several drugs such as Marijuana, MDMA, and LSD but ive tried these only once and have no intent on continuing the drugs. I was never convicted of any drug use, and I had no abuse on these drugs nor did it cause any effects. If I only tried these listed drugs once would I still be able to qualify for the CTI program? and if so, how would I go about talking to my recruiter about this and obtaining a waiver?
Thank you,
Evan -
Hello, I joined the Army when i was 17 in 2007. I was discharged aug 2009. Under other than honorable conditions. A short while after i found out i was discharged i experimented with weed and got caught after buying my 2nd little bit. Was charged with possession for with intent for myself. Been clean for years. I was never informed of my discharge up until i tried to transfer out of my reserve unit in oct 09. I fininally received my dd214 in the mail opon request after speaking with a recruiter. I have a MBK separation code and a na reentry code? I dont know what to make of it and neither does any of the army recruiters i’ve spoken with. Every time its something different and no one seems to want to help. They told me to try the Navy or Marines.
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Sir,
I was diagnosed with less than mild social anxiety (more like bad shyness) and was put on Zoloft to help it. I have not taken it since early December in 2011 with no intent to continue, my doctor has agreed that I do not need to take it any more. Will I still need to wait a full year to attempt to get a waiver, or can I get my doctor to write a letter of recommendation for duty? He is a retired Army doctor that still work on an Army installation. I have been in college for months now and am functioning fine, etc.Thanks.
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Do you think the letter of rec. would help that process along?
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I was wondering if it is still possible to become a Navy SEAL if I got a drug paraphernalia ticket for marijuana when I was 18-19. I’m 25 now and haven’t touched the stuff since. It was the second time I tried the stuff and was purely for experimental purposes. I wasn’t charged with a misdemeanor or anything like that, just had to pay a fine. Can anyone answer this question for me?
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I am 17 and 6 months ago I tried mj for the first and last time. Will I pass MEPS or should I try to get this waivered and how hard would this be?
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I want to join the master at arms. Will that be a problem?
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Hello,
I want to enlist but have a couple of questions – when I was 13 my parents divorced, I went to a new school, and tried to fit in with the cool kids. On Halloween I painted some graffiti on school grounds and was expelled, no criminal charges. I went to another school where a kid gave me a 2 Vicodin, one of which I sold to another kid for $5 in the lunch room and a teacher caught me. I was expelled from that school and charged with Transport/Sell Rx Drugs Class 6 Felony. It was amended to Possession of Rx Drugs Class 1 Misdemeanor which I admitted to. I’ve used mj a few times in my life – once with some friends in back of a grocery store where we were caught and taken to jail. They released us to our parents that night with no charges filed. I am now 20 with my EMT basic license, don’t do drugs, and chalk those times up to childhood but I understand the military may have a different view. Do you think I would be able to enlist?
Thanks for your time, I appreciate it. -
Is the Navy no longer doing drug/alcohol related waivers like the Army due to the downsizing?
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I can tell that this guy was a true a**hole when he was in the service because that was the only job he could do! Wow get a life!
For the people that have made a mistake, keep your heads up and stay positive!
I made a mistake while in the military and got kicked out, now I make over 100k a year. So believe me stay positive!!!!
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First of all, I would like to thank you for providing concise and up-to-date information to us. Your postings are one of the few places online I feel I get more fact than rumor, so thank you. I would greatly appreciate your take on my situation: I’m 27, I have 86 college credits toward a PoliSci degree, and I am interested in Naval Intelligence. I will spare you the list of positive accomplishments I have achieved and address my primary concerns.
I have a generally good police record with a few black marks including a DWI which was dismissed and refiled as Obstructing a Highway (2005), a Theft by Check in the amount of $69 (2005), a simple possession of MJ conviction (2010), and a speeding ticket for 10mph over (2011). All charges have been dismissed and were dealt with in a timely manner; and I do not smoke MJ. 3 questions– Will these infractions categorically bar me from Naval service at this time? Are there specific stipulations for Naval Intelligence jobs (as there are in SEAL jobs) and where can I find this information? Also, will my past transgressions categorically bar me from receiving a TS clearance? -
First of all I have graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Criminal Justice and am currently having trouble locating a civilian position. I am considering a Navy Officer of some sort. I have experimented with Ecstacy and Mushrooms back in 2007 and have taken pain pills not to get high, but for injuries. I did not have a prescription I just purchased these from some buddies. I have been arrested a few times, two of which are expunged and the third was an Alcohol Intoxication in 2007. Also in 2007 I had the police come to my house for a house party and I was cited with a Noise Violation and Allowing persons under 21 to consume alcohol on my property, it was alcohol they brought I didn’t purchase it for them.
I was just wanting to know if I am ineligible for consideration as an Officer, specifically in Law Enforcement or Intelligence. -
First off, thank you for this post and your responses, I found pretty much exactly what I was looking for. But I need to say something to potential recruits with drug/alcohol charges: As someone who has recently gone through the aggravating and lengthy process of getting a waiver for marijuana possession, and been to MEPS three times (various reasons, non of which were disqualifying), **make sure you ask your recruiter exactly which jobs you will be barred from upon enlistment, before you go to MEPS (this is probably redundant on this page, but I have to reiterate)!!** Like someone who posted awhile ago, I scored very high on the ASVAB and was granted clearance to MEPS via a waiver. I got through MEPS and got a chance to talk with the job placement Chief. I had all intentions of going HM, CT, or something similar, yet my recruiters failed to tell me – over the course of at least 5-6 months – that my possession charge automatically barred me from picking those jobs upon signing day. So now I’m in a situation where I seriously need to reevaluate whether or not I want to continue down this path. Now that that’s out of my system, sorry for ranting, here is my question:
The rates that you listed in response to Joe’s question are basically all of the jobs that I had any type of interest in, at this time, none of them are even considering the possibility of a waiver? Are there any ways to argue for consideration on a case by case basis? Thanks in advance.
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Awesome, quick response — thanks. A few follow ups:
1)Are the requirement guidelines expected to change anytime soon?
2)In your opinion, would I have a viable chance to re-class after a year or so at another rate? Does the MJ possession prevent me from even re-classing to the above mentioned rates (besides HM), or leave me at the bottom of the list? -
Makes perfect sense, thanks. Glad to see someone with experience who will give you a no BS answer. Keep up the good work.
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I tried marijuana 2 times during my sophomore year of high school. During that year I even tried to grow 2 marijuana plants however I was caught by my parents and was strictly disciplined. I am currently in my sophomore year of college and haven’t touched drugs for 4 years. I am planning on talking to a recruiter soon, I have no criminal record. Will this automatically disqualify me?
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Thanks for the response, I never sold marijuana. The growing was unsuccessful and nothing ever came of it. The plants were extremely small and the time period lasted only a few weeks. I have never sold marijuana or bought marijuana, just attempted to produce it. This is kind of a strange situation that I can’t find any where else on the internet. What do you think?
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I would also have to put it down on my SF-86, would that be a problem? Or would the main problem be convincing the recruiter?
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Sir,
I just recently turned 18 years old and are still in high school (senior year). When i was 16 i tried marijuana and used it for about 1 year. I quit cold and will never get anywhere near that substance or any others like it again, and I have devoted myself to train to become a navy seal or SWCC operator. Would my prior mistake keep me from this goal and is there any waiver, or time period to wait, or way to prove myself so as to still be able to join.
Thank you
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At the end of the year I will graduate with a B.S. Construction Management with many additional certifications. I’d like to join the Navy to help pay back student loans and simply to serve. In 2009 I was arrested for possession of marijuana but the case was dismissed by the prosecutor after successfully completing a diversion program. I have never had any sort of drug problem; I was just a passenger in a vehicle while a joint was in the car. I also suffered a spell of heat stroke in August causing me to pass out and hit my head on the ground and start seizing. I have never had a seizure before or after and have performed all necessary tests with a Neurologist to confirm I have no disqualifying neurological diseases (or anything wrong for that matter).
With these two events coupled with a decent resume and a healthy body, what are the possibilities of either becoming an officer or enlisting in a field related to my degree (construction, engineering aid, contracting, etc.)? Is getting a waiver likely?
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Thanks for the quick response and your assistance NCCM. One more follow up question if you don’t mind: what are some things I could do to make receiving a waiver more probable? Thanks again.
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Sir,
Almost two years ago I got a misdemeanor ticket for possession of marijuana, I was required to do community service and had six months of suspended license. Would this be an excluding factor for me? It has been cleared from my record permanently but I am aware government jobs have access to cleared charges. Thank you for your help and time. -
I am curently in the navy awaiting to leave for bootcamp. A little over a month ago I went thru meps and had to clear a drug waiver stating I had used mj 6 times due to the possesion a paraphernalia tickets I received roughly a year and half ago. In this time I looked into SO and decided to pst for eod. I met all the physical requiements and in fact the retired seal who tested me offered to write a letter of recomendation becair he said most canifates don’t even finish the 500 yd swim the 1st time they test. Obviously the next day after my recruiters spoke with a ommanding officer it was discovered there is no sort of waiver I can pass for eod. My question to you is after I serve active duty for a period of time will I ever be able to qualify for eod or does a possesion oaraphenalia charge which I may add was dropped stick with me my whole career? Any response is appreciated
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I was more so asking in terms of if there are special cases once a sailor has actually served activist and proven the prior drug use to be irrelevant rather than an actual policy change but thankyou. On another note is there a waiver process for a sailor to go individual augmentee that you know of?again any answer is appreciated
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I have used mj in the past, I’m 20 years old and havnt touched the stuff since I was a junior in high school between 16 an 17, I’m currently looking into joining the navy under a SO rating or SB rating, just wondering if it will affect my chances on either one I decide to pursue a career in.
i have been off the meds for 2mnths now.and i planned to go to meps in like 2 mnths so now i kinda got a problem