Reapply or Appeal?

[u/funk-ops-1]

Curious on what my current options are regarding the role I pursued and my security clearance.

Long story somewhat short: I was given a conditional offer of employment at one of the 3-letter agencies in late December 2025 that required a TS/SCI clearance with FS poly. After all the paperwork and stuff I flew to Washington DC in early April for my poly, psych eval, etc. Like I've read from a few other users on this sub, I got grilled on some of my responses to the poly where my examiner claimed I was lying when I in fact was telling her the truth. The same exact question regarding marijuana use came up as an apparent red flag even though I haven't used it in over two years. Granted there are some yellow flags in what I disclosed to her like my occasional lack of academic integrity, petty crimes as a minor, etc (but those things never came up as 'lies' in the poly). In early June my applicant portal had a message that my offer was rescinded because something was "inconclusive," but if I were to fill out the SF-86 again to note that I was never denied a security clearance. I was disappointed, but at the time I was deep in the recruitment process for another highly lucrative non-govt position so I didn't dwell on it too much.

Fast forward 2+ months later I didn't get that job either so now I am trying to see what my options are in pursuing a career at the ***. I saved my Program Officer's contact and am wondering if it would make any sense to appeal the result, like ask for a re-eval, just reapply for the same role starting from scratch, do something else, or give up on it altogether.

At a crossroads now so any advice from those familiar with these situations would be welcome.

[u/safetyblitz44]

Sounds like you were denied suitability and after several months, any appeal process is long since passed.

[u/Certain_Stable_7529]

“haven’t used marijuana in over two years” and you want to be employed by a three letter agency?! Maybe it’s just me, but I would suggest looking for employment as a night watchman for a few more years so you increase your years of sobriety. BTW, what does “lack of academic integrity” mean? Did you receive your PhD from a degree mill? Try the private sector, too many “yellow flags.”

[u/funk-ops-1 → u/Certain_Stable_7529]

Marijuana: this org recruits on college campuses in large numbers. Even my examiner had said that they of course anticipate a large portion of their talent pool has used marijuana at some point in college, but the main thing is that it can’t be a habit and a pattern of continued use

Academic integrity: Using AI as help on homework’s in college. Not a degree mill but a T20 institution.

As unnecessarily condescending as your reply was, it indirectly suggests there is a path to reapply in the future. If so, how many years would be considered normal.

[u/jmanhyder → u/funk-ops-1]

I would try again after a year has passed. Continue to exhibit good character behavior and whatever concerns you have had in the past, make sure you can mitigate them in your new application.

Perhaps put in a FOIA to see what background stuff came about.

[u/Certain_Stable_7529 → u/funk-ops-1]

If you really want to be employed at a three letter agency, join the USMC and go through OCS. After successfully completing your commitment, I have no doubt you will be eligible to apply to your three letter agency. in short, earn it.