interested in NUPOC, concerned about past keeping me out

[jghowel]

Hi, I am interested in NUPOC and becoming a nuclear engineer on a surface ship in the navy.  I have tried to read as much about the requirements to get in and have deficiently come upon some contradictions.  I was hoping to get a feel for my chances of even being considered by people who know a little more about the program, before I go through the recruiting process.

I am 20 years old, a chemical engineer major at Clemson University, GPA about 3.4
Before even beginning my engineering degree program at Clemson I used drugs, weed several times and cocaine a few times, I was arrested, I went to and completed a three month in-patient rehab, and got my charge expunged. This 2 years ago, and I have remained clean ever since.

How will this affect my chances of getting it?
Any other thoughts on my situation?

[deltarho]

Thoughts are that FBI types will be able to see "expunged."  No clearance for you!  Waivers to say I tried it ONCE, coughed and puked and never did it again were commonplace.  You have too many first times...

[Gamecock]

I am 20 years old, a chemical engineer major at Clemson University

  The worst problem you have is that you go to Clemson 

[NukeLDO]

  The worst problem you have is that you go to Clemson 

Some of us Clemson types turned out alright!
But I wouldn't say that's the worst problem in this case.  All of that past will be dredged up.  In fact, you'll be asked all those questions as you fill out the application paperwork.  The facts as you portray them will then be researched and verified by an outside investigative agency.  Any discrepancies will be uncovered and questioned further.  Not saying you'd try to cover anything up, you just need to know, it will found and thoroughly investigated.  That's only if you make it throught the initial screening, which I consider highly unlikely.  Drug use, other than experimentation, is grounds for rejection from the NNPP.
Its unforunate.  Recreational drug use is prevalent and pervasive today, and most teens and 20-somethings don't realize the doors they are shutting by participating in that behavior.

[NukeNTO]

Officially you're still eligible to apply but would require a drug waiver.  However, I've never seen a drug waiver approved for anything "harder" than weed and even then only for <10 times use.