How to apply for positions that require government clearance?
pwnstigator: Clearance takes about 6-9 months. Foreign associations and illegal activities get a lot of attention.They'll ask about drug use. Don't lie. Any illegal drug use in the past 12 months is disqualifying, but it's better to fail on this and get the clearance a year later than to get caught in a lie and have that on your record. (I doubt they'd throw you in jail, but a lifetime ban isn't unlikely, from what I've heard; whereas it's unlikely that you'd be turned down for smoking pot 3 years ago.)Underage drinking (even within past 12 months) won't lock you out but you'll be expected to be sober during your time of active clearance, up to your 21st birthday.A lot of people will be interviewed whom you didn't supply. For example, your hall director if you're a college student, and possibly a professor or two. Your references will all be asked for references.Based on what I've heard, I'd guess that the acceptance rate for born US citizen without criminal records or recent drug use is 60-75%, but that's just a wild guess.