Originally posted by: Monoman
No offense, but you know the folks who really know can't say right?
That's not true. People who know might not want to post it here because these threads are often created by people who wish to game the system, though.
There are procedures and guidelines, but the investigation can be somewhat subjective. If you're denied, you can get a lawyer and appeal.
The bottom line is this. It's best to be honest. Even if it works out that you do not get your clearance, it is best to be honest in every stage. The reason has to do with that subjectivity and discretion on the part of the investigator. First, if you lie, you're likely to get caught. These folks are thorough. They talk to enough people that an inconsistency will arise and they'll go down that path. They are NOT lazy. Second, the investigator, while not being the one that makes the actual determination -- they just collect the facts -- can be on your side. For instance, say you lie to him, he investigates, and catches you in said lie. He writes this all up and your clearance application is denied. That's it, game over, you will likely NEVER hold a security clearance no matter how much time passes. Integrity is a big factor. On the other hand, you're honest with him about past drug use, you tell him you smoked some pot in college and got caught peeing on a cop car. Maybe it was years ago, but you admit to it. In the course of his investigation, he may determine that it's not likely that you'll pass. Instead of submitting your application to the adjudicative body, he suggests to you that they simply stop your application, and maybe wait a few years so that more time has passed and you don't get in any more trouble in the meantime. A few years later, you get your clearance, because stopping the application is not the same as the adjudicators denying it.
Security clearances enable a great deal of earning potential, and at the higher levels especially, are to be taken very seriously. Do not lie, it might fuck up your prospects far into the future.
Also, the illustration above wasn't me, but it is very similar to someone that I know.