Top secret investigation

[sully29]

What is the name of your state?NE
I am applying for a new position which requires a Top Secrte clearance. I currently have a Secret clearance and have for about 5 years. The problem is that the TS investigation will be more indepth and on my initial investigation papers I left out some financial problems and minor drug use (MJ 5-10X). I am worried that if I am upfront on my new clearance application I may get in troulble since it does not match my original. If I lie, I don't think they would find out about the drugs but the financial info will be on my credit report and then I would also be in trouble. Any advise or should I just not apply for the job?

[Some Random Guy]

Don't apply for the job.

Your personal situation can be used against you because you have a need to hide it from others. Therefore you are not qualified for the position. Finding out your ability to resist coercion is one of the main points of the background check.

[sully29]

There really isnt anything to resist, Im not in any financial difficulty, and drugs arent an issue. I would just like to be completely open in the application, Im just worried about the legal ramifications. So, is it better for me to continue with my current career and not subject my background to scrutiny or should I be honest and try to explain why I ommited the information in the first place, hoping they don't court marshal me?

[buffseaman]

I would be very wary about applying for the top secret clearance. A major reason for revocations is being dishonest on original security questionaire forms. There's a good chance that not only will you be denied Top Secret clearance, your current clearance will be revoked.

Just think about it this way. Why did you lie on your original forms? For many people it's because of money - they were desperate for a job, or something like that. That shows you're willing to be dishonest for a price - which is a possibly a big issue from the DoD's perspective.

My personal opinion is that you should report the facts you omitted as soon as possible to the appropriate people. You lied on a federal form related to national security - that's a big deal. Hiding it longer only reflects worse on your personal character. It may be possible to mitigate the omissions if there are valid reasons (serious financial/family pressure), but the sooner it's done the better. It will not look good if the truth only comes out when under polygraph, or when there is something in it for you (better job + better clearance, more money, etc.).

[usmcleader]

go ahead and lie... I think that is a prerequisite anyhow for joining the CIA.

[madMA]

Keep in mind that everything that you sign is to the "best of your knowledge" and in the famous words of a recuiter.....I forgot