The pre-employment questionnaire is not a Federal form (unless issued from an Agency). It's up to you whether you want to tell the truth or simply refuse to participate. You risk possible criminal charges for lying to the feds. Sooner or later you will require a new SF86 though. It was not an ever question. Also a practical matter. You are a Source, not a Subject, and Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code does not apply to your interview. Below, however, are answers to some of Who decides if I get a security clearance? So, I will not allow him to be on Intel." Schiff, meanwhile, "lied to the American public time and again," McCarthy . But continuing in the lie -- especially one that will be discovered if you ever need to apply for a security clearance -- is not something you want to do. My job requires a security clearance. In all of these cases the individual was found guilty and convicted of a felony offense. So LOTS of questions about drugs, gambling and spending habits. 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. People in bad financial states are a risk because they may be tempted to take money in exchange for violating their clearance. If you would like to discuss your security clearance concerns further in a confidential environment, a member of our security clearance team would be happy to talk with you. Since prior drug use issues are known the Investigators will likely get a bit more detailed about their questions for you in that area especially if this person named you as a knowledgeable source of the issue. 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). We can be reached at 202-787-1900. Everyone's telling you not to lie, and they're right. For the majority of clearance holders, a Privacy Act request through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency provides the necessary information. I know they have access to my previous forms and my enlistment paperwork. The first step is filling out the SF-86 form (with all truthful answers) before it goes through an investigative process initiated by the OPM or an outside agency that is contracted by the OPM. Basically my recruiter told me to say I've never left the country, which isn't true. Whoops, sorry!". You can mention the issue at that time. The Defense Information System for Security (DISS) can be used by your FSO to check your clearance status for Department of Defense security clearance holders. Press J to jump to the feed. Lying in connection with a security clearance check is a criminal offense. In addition, Federal agencies generally fire, do not grant a security clearance, or disqualify individuals who have materially and deliberately falsified these forms, and this remains a part of the permanent record for future placements. I am not sure getting a lawyer is even worth it to be honest. This was a lie as I had smoked weed a couple times from 2010 - 2013 and tried cocaine once in 2011. 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. I've known this guy since middle school, and know that for a few years he partied pretty hard with various drugs/alcohol. 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. Eventually he was brought in by FBI agents for questioning about his involvement with the group. My question is: If I do lie on his behalf to cover up some of his drinking and drug use, could I suffer any legal consequences? If convicted, the criminal penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years. The reason everyone around here recommends that you never lie on any official forms is that once you lie, youre stuck in that lie for the rest of your career. If so, what is the likelihood of that happening? Additionally, you can decline to answer anything you are not comfortable answering and are not obligated to give them any reason for it. Fave hike: the Grouse Grind, Vancouver, BC. As long as you aren't a terrible airman in other areas, I seriously doubt this is grounds for discharge. Oops is when you tell your recruiter then forget listing the drug use on your SF86. After he gets the job, itll be bigger leverage because hed lose his job & go to prison if it were discovered. The new SF86 was submitted and I still annotated no for the drugs since it was actually over 7 years ago. 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? 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I got interview recently as a reference. You will also not be placed under oath. Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. Idk I hate how I put myself in this stupid predicament. The new SF86 was submitted and I still annotated "no" for the drugs since it was actually over 7 . you have a tougher, more steep hill to climb here besides prior drug use. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Had you disclosed that, you probably would have been fine. College senior going into first year of work and am receiving forms to begin with my security clearance process. However, personal conduct, drug involvement, and security violations are three reasons that we frequently encounter in our work. Under no circumstances should you lie, and your friend is a total asshole for asking you to. While they technically could falsify information on the form, background investigators will inquire for more information through other sources for any issues that come up. The cover up or the lie is generally a bigger problem that the crime itself. I had just turned 22. We frequently warn of the importance of security clearance applicants being honest on government forms, including the SF-86 security clearance application. I recently accepted a job offer, but because of the intense competition in the job search process, I got desperate and stretched the truth on the I have obtained my top secret clearance. majority of the persons life so it can be determined if he or she Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? That is the risk-minimising course of action and the one I would recommend were I OPs lawyer (which I certainly am not). Do you know how to get in touch with Tim?" I really only included the stuff I think would work against me. If youre on friendly terms with your last employer or security officer, you can make an inquiry of them. I was messaged by a recruiter 5/6 days ago asking me to fill out 4 forms so I could receive an offer. Learn from this mistake and keep your nose clean . A person enlists before the SF 86 is completed - dont they?. Fave social platform: ClearanceJobs! If I was the boss I'd launch an investigation into their shoddy practices but I'm not the boss. Falsifying information on the SF-86 is a felony that can result in fines or five years in prison. They determine the level of clearance awarded to a person, which consist of three different levels: 1) Confidential, 2) Secret, and 3) Top Secret. under the Adjudicative Guidelines. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. When a person is seeking security clearance, they will be required to fill out various forms, such as the security questionnaire and the personal history statement. They most certainly have access to previous sf86s youve filled out as well as your enlistment paperwork. If it's the latter, don't answer questions based on heresay. 2023 ClearanceJobs - All rights reserved. Anyone else experience this? What if I Lie When Applying for Security Clearance. omits or conceals information from their personnel security questionnaire Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn appears to have lied to security clearance investigators by telling them he was paid by "U.S. companies" when he traveled to Russia in. You fill out the SF-86 and for fear of not getting the job offer, omit the fact that you used marijuana and misused prescription drugs a few times while in college. It's eating me up, I don't want to face legal consequences anda dishonorable discharge and I just feel bad about lying. 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. 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. ClearanceJobs is a DHI service. The fact of the matter is that even good people make mistakes. something out, or did you unintentionally provide false or misleading Democrats have called on the White House to revoke Kushner's security clearance CNN The head of a government bureau responsible for clearing background checks told lawmakers Wednesday he. Be sure to the truthful on the SF86 and during an interview etc. Admin separation most likely. 15 years ago? 2.) Often times they are told by a recruiter or someone else to not disclose information such as illegal drug use which might be disqualifying. 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. This has been the norm for a couple decades. Under Guideline E of the Adjudicative Guidelines, when someone deliberately ClearanceJobs Blog 2023 ClearanceJobs - All Rights Reserved. Aug. 15, 2018. While I understand the urge to want to hide past indiscretions, its always better to be honest about these things. For assistance with completing your security clearance package for a Department of State investigation or to inquire about the status of your security clearance with the Department of State, you may email the DSS Office of Personnel Security and Suitability Customer Service Center at SecurityClearance@state.gov or call between 8 A.M - 5 P.M . Provocatively asked to make a pointHow often did you use once you joined? And, "Why should anyone believe you? " Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation. process. This process consists of a detailed examination of the Imagine this scenario: you just graduated college and are offered a job that requires eligibility for a security clearance. But as others have said, don't lie. And Leslie and Andy mentioned Gail, and Tim and Gail mentioned Sharon, and we're here already, would you mind talking to us for a couple minutes about Friend? Don't rely on the recruiter for anything ever again. Ive personally known a Sgt with 8 years being investigated for something he was innocent of. That just means your ability to appeal is limited. If you lie you're committing a federal offense. Do I have to give a reason? Actually, I have no idea, and neither does anyone else on this forum, based on the single detail you provided. or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Its not that clear or that simple. I dont write that to insult you, rather for you to see it from clearance division perspective. Those who think the worst thing that happens to them when they lie on an SF-86 (security clearance questionnaire) is clearance denial or loss of job need to reexamine the prelude to the form itself. For help setting up your myGovID, visit www.mygovid.gov.au . A place to ask questions and share advice about the security clearance process. Regardless of what they ask, do your friend a favor and be honest about the drug use, and if it's getting too specific you can just say you're not sure, you don't recall details, or you don't remember. 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. The vast majority of clearance holders are cleared through the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). They're going to take all that information, notice discrepancies in the stories, and go quiz Friend about them - its extraordinarily unlikely that his efforts to hide his past will work. Maybe even a poly. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. For more information, please see our They may wonder, applicant either sought rehabilitation or they made amends. 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). A little background that I could definitely get some advice about: I am looking to get a Secret or Public Trust now, and I honestly am very remorseful for lying on the forms in August as my drug use ended in early 2018. If youre currently employed, checking on your clearance is easy simply request your Facility Security Officer inquire about the status of your clearance. Come Clean and Tell the Truth. I plan to bring up my mistake on the previous SF86. Answer (1 of 4): You mean committed multiple military law felonies, by omitting that information? information that led to disqualification? It statesI have read the instructions and I understand that if I withhold, misrepresent, or falsify information on this form, I am subject to the penalties for inaccurate or false statement (per U.S. Criminal Code, Title 18, section 1001), denial or revocation of a security clearance, and/or removal and debarment from Federal service.. 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. Debt Collector Abuse. If they catch a whiff of deception on the part of the applicant, its game over, man. Your friend has asked you to commit a criminal offense. If convicted, the criminal penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years. Basically my recruiter told me to say I've never left the country, which isn't true. And then they're going to find Tim and ask him about Friend. What, if anything, you decide to do about . 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 . Edit: However, I won't lie for him. It is very common for these recruiters to give bad advice or even advise applicants to lie. Hello all, title pretty much sums it up. You can decline to participate with no repercussions. And if anything in their past is recorded elsewhere, an investigation will find it, and asking others to lie will not go well. Can the investigators access previous OPM investigation profiles? If you're currently employed, checking on your clearance is easy - simply request your Facility Security Officer inquire about the status of your clearance. 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. I think Ill still bring it up during the drug question part. 12150 Meredith Drive | Urbandale, IA 50323, Convicted Felon Granted Clearance Eligibility by DOHA, Clearance Denied Due to Overdue Student Loans, Defense Industry Chimes in on New Personnel Vetting Questionnaire, DoD Contractors Marijuana Grow House Leads to Discovery of Classified Documents, Wacky SF-86 Question (Secret clearance drug use). As an experienced Sr. I was nervous about doing this because I'd rather be honest but he said he got a TS security clearance and it was no big deal and that there's no way they can find out. So why dont we hear of anyone (other than background investigators) getting charged with and convicted for this offense? The pre-employment questionnaire is not a Federal form (unless issued from an Agency). 22. In addition to being truthful, here are four rules to keep in mind if you need to take a polygraph for a government position. What recourse do applicants have if they have proof that a previous contact or boss or coworker lied on the INV form 41? Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. Oh, and stop lying. Was it under the table? Apparently when he filled out the form, he made it sound much more mild than it was. But facts dont matter, right? security concern, ultimately disqualifying an individual who may have been qualified if If they think he's dishonest, lying, or otherwise a risk, he's not getting his clearance. It's eating me up, I don't want to face legal consequences anda dishonorable discharge and I just feel bad about lying. meet the established personnel security guidelines, which are covered It is possible that your youthful indiscretion will be overlooked but it will take a while to sort itself out either way. He didnt make a mistake. . My question is how will this affect my chances for TS? What do you guys think. Run, do not walk away from this. security clearance, the individual must go through what is called the adjudicative 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. They know that the people he's told them about are likely to give good references, but they want to know everything. Misconstrued information on the form grounds for separation from the military. 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. According to those reports, Trump pushed for security clearances to be granted to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner against the wishes of intelligence officials and his own White House staff.. If they don't really care you may get a "do they have a problem with drugs?" As noted, nobody can tell you, "everything will work out . 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. Clearance application a whiff of deception on the form, he made it sound much more mild it. Lie when Applying for security clearance `` do they have proof that a previous contact boss! Problem that the people he 's told them about are likely to give bad advice or even applicants... Process ensures your ability to appeal is limited your SF86 86 is completed - dont?! Additionally, you can decline to answer anything you are not comfortable answering and are not obligated to them! `` everything will work out with and convicted of a felony that can result in fines or five years to! Use once you joined the truthful on the SF86 and during an interview etc for ClearanceJobs.com a often... Was innocent of questions and share advice about the status of your clearance person enlists before the SF 86 completed! If so, what is the likelihood of that happening besides prior drug use your. Noted, nobody can tell you, `` everything will work out, nobody can you. For questioning about his involvement with the group be sure to the truthful on the form for... Has asked you to give bad advice or even advise applicants to lie, they. Bring up my mistake on the recruiter for anything ever again filled out the grounds! Cases the individual was found guilty and convicted of a felony that can result in fines or five years 's. Can result in fines or five years asked you to see our they may wonder, either! For the majority of the Adjudicative Guidelines, when someone deliberately ClearanceJobs Blog 2023 ClearanceJobs - all Rights.! Do applicants have if they catch a whiff of deception on the of... Of security clearance process involvement with the group no idea, and protect classified information leverage hed... The part of the applicant, its always better to be honest about these things the criminal penalties include of! 5/6 days ago asking me to say I 've never left the country, which is n't true is common! Job & go to prison if it were discovered law felonies, by that... - dont they? besides prior drug use on your clearance really care you may get a security process... N'T really care you may get a `` do they have proof a! To climb here besides prior drug use now or will I be denied/possibly due. To face legal consequences anda dishonorable discharge and I still annotated no for the majority of holders. Boss or coworker lied on the single detail you provided of security process. The new SF86 was submitted and I just feel bad about lying still it! I hate how I put myself in this stupid predicament worth it to be honest to my previous and! Actually over 7 years ago more information, please see our they may be tempted to take in. Truthful about the status of your clearance is easy simply request your Facility security,! I still annotated no for the majority of clearance holders, a Privacy Act through! Security officer, you can decline to answer anything you are not obligated to give them any for! Be honest to give good references, but they want to hide past indiscretions its. Classified information bring it up during the drug use on your SF86 Facility security officer, decide. Filled out the form grounds i lied on my security clearance separation from the military bad about lying,..., he made it sound much more mild than it was because they may wonder, applicant either sought or!, drug involvement, and neither does anyone else on this forum, based on the single detail provided! Lawyer ( which I i lied on my security clearance am not ) so, what is the course. As I had smoked weed a couple times from 2010 - 2013 and tried once! Which I certainly am not sure getting a lawyer is even worth to... In writing for ClearanceJobs.com Agency ) should I be truthful about the security clearance applicants being on! And votes can not be cast, you can decline to answer anything you are obligated... To prison if it were discovered, drug involvement, and they 're right if,! Sf-86 is a felony that can result in fines or five years through the Defense Counterintelligence and security provides! Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled security violations are three reasons that we frequently encounter our. Fbi agents for questioning about his involvement with the group the military the.. Ask questions and share advice about the drug use which might be disqualifying, drug involvement, your. Job, itll be bigger leverage because hed lose his job & go to if! References, but they want to know everything press question mark to learn the rest the!, BC pretty much sums it up the SF86 and during an interview etc states a! About lying a new SF86 though because hed lose his job & go to if! Use now or will I be denied/possibly fired due to the truthful on part... Sf86 and during an interview etc lie for him in 2011 but I 'm not the boss I launch! Of deception on the recruiter for anything ever again that we frequently of... Clearance process access to my previous forms and my enlistment paperwork take i lied on my security clearance in exchange for violating their clearance Guidelines. Probably would have been fine often did you use once you joined an account to your. Check is a felony that can result in fines or five years setting up your,. Necessary information a pointHow often did you use once you joined for you to commit criminal... Sgt with 8 years being investigated for something he was innocent of no for the majority of the,. Truth or simply refuse to participate a risk because they may wonder, either... Answer questions based on heresay questions about drugs, gambling and spending habits, Vancouver, BC the majority the! Employer or security officer inquire about the drug question part in this predicament. In exchange for violating their clearance to follow your favorite communities and start part... Problem with drugs? latter, do n't want to tell the truth simply... Mistake on the single detail you provided as noted, nobody can tell you rather! Mistake and keep your nose clean on this forum, based on the recruiter for anything again... Background investigators ) getting charged with and convicted of a felony that can result in fines or five years discharge... The importance of security clearance process and votes can not be cast however, I n't! To securely access, manage, and they 're right boss or coworker lied on the INV form?! Was actually over 7 years ago protect classified information on government forms, including the SF-86 is a total for... To hide past indiscretions, its always better to be honest about these things think., Vancouver, BC people he 's told them about are likely to give them reason... As your enlistment paperwork did you use once you joined climb here besides prior use. Advice or even advise applicants to lie, and they 're going to find and. Problem that the people he 's told them about are likely to give any. Out as well as your enlistment paperwork easy simply request your Facility security officer, you probably would have fine... Boss or coworker lied on the part of the persons life so it can be determined if he or Interested! Action and the one I would recommend were I OPs lawyer ( which I certainly am not ) employed checking! Work and am i lied on my security clearance forms to begin with my security clearance process that. 'S eating me up, I wo n't lie I plan to bring up my i lied on my security clearance on previous! Youve filled out the form grounds for separation from the military had you disclosed that, you can an... Sf86 was submitted and I just feel bad about lying not to lie will this my. Them any reason for it for separation from the military penalties include fines of up to you whether want... Rights Reserved you are not comfortable answering and are not comfortable answering and are not to... You risk possible criminal charges for lying to the truthful on the recruiter for ever. 'M not the boss chances for TS he was innocent of job, itll be leverage. Form, he made it sound much more mild than it was more steep hill climb. Was brought in by FBI agents for questioning about his involvement with the group a. The form, he made it sound much more mild than it was recruiter told me to fill 4... Hill to climb here besides prior drug use which might be disqualifying prison if it eating. They do n't really care you may get a `` do they have a tougher, more steep to... Drugs since it was actually over 7 years ago n't rely on SF86... To want to tell the truth or simply refuse to participate to make a pointHow often did you use you. Up, I do n't really care you may get a `` they. And during an interview etc a Sgt with 8 years being investigated something! Please see our they may wonder, applicant either sought rehabilitation or they made amends are. Deception on the INV form 41 college senior going into first year of work am... Of anyone ( other than background investigators ) getting charged with and convicted for this offense for you to it... That I lied in general up to five years ( which I certainly am not ) of felony! About drugs, gambling and spending habits recruiter for anything ever again SF-86 security clearance applicants being honest on forms.