game plan for cleaning up a checkered past

[dapperengineer]

I'm about to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in nuclear engineering. After applying for a Navy job and looking over the requirements for getting a secret security clearance, I realized that getting the job was very unlikely. The reasons include:

heavy use of marijuana (5 years ago)
several uses of lsd and mushrooms (5-7 years ago)
three underage drinking violations (6 years ago)
having myself temporarily committed due to a very nasty breakup (1 year ago)
a crappy credit score of 610 (current)
$24000 in student debt (current)

I have since cleaned up my act and have not touched an illegal substance for 5 years. After looking at the sf-86 form, I noticed that if seven years have elapsed you don't have to list drug use. I have never had any convictions for illegal drugs, and my alcohol violations were expunged with community service. I have no other criminal background. As for being committed, I was involved in a relationship in which I was being cheated on with thousands of dollars of loan money involved. When I found out I became suicidal and committed myself for a week. I have since been in counseling and have improved substantially. My credit score took a blow from not paying the phone bill on time, and I have $24000 in student debt because I financed my entire engineering degree.

Right now I am very close to being accepted to a program similar to Teach for America to be a math teacher in Washington DC. It's a very selective program that looks good on a resume. The commitment is two years, and they forgive 15% of your student debt for each year you teach. After that, all of my illegal drug use will be 7 years in the past and I won't have to mention it on the sf-86. That will also give me time to improve my credit score.

So, if I go through with this I will have a mostly clean record in about two years. What would be my chances of obtaining a position in the nuclear industry? Most positions I'm looking at right now require an "L" clearance.

Thanks for any advice!

[liam]

Given how you have reacted to stress in your life I would not recommend a career in the military.  Getting a degree in engineering is a good achievement and I am sure you can find a good job that does not entail the stress you would be under in a military environment.  Good luck to you and stay clean!

[HydroDave63]

So, if I go through with this I will have a mostly clean record in about two years.

Incorrect. Page 13 of SF-86, section 21 , mental health is a 7 years back question. Section 23 and 24 are 7 years back as well.

It's probably not gonna work out for a clearance.