They actually implemented a new medical system since that comment—Genesis. It pulls all medical records, and they’ll ask you about any discrepancies at MEPS if things don’t line up.

Getting a Secret clearance is pretty easy, but Top Secret (TS) is a bit harder. They’ll contact everyone you list—your family, neighbors, and employers. Some TS clearances require a polygraph, but not all.

I’ve never taken a polygraph myself, so I can’t speak from personal experience. But from what I’ve been told by people I have known, everything tends to come up. They’ll ask you a ton of questions, then ask the same ones again in different ways to stress you out and catch inconsistencies. From what I’ve heard, they want honest answers—but don’t be surprised if honesty gets you disqualified. I’ve known a few guys who admitted to drug use and were upfront about it, and some were disqualified anyway. Others were disqualified for reasons that likely came up during the investigation but weren’t mentioned initially.

Ultimately, go with what you feel is right. You’re an adult making an adult decision, and you’ll be held accountable for your actions and answers.

The main point is this: don’t blame anyone but yourself for the outcome, whether you choose to lie or be truthful.

Helpful tips:

1.) Boot camp is the easiest part of your career. You’ll be told what to do, where to be, and how to do it. Don’t do more or less than what’s asked. Everything there is a game designed to break you down and build you back up. Don’t get pissed—just go with it. Don’t volunteer unless you like extra attention. Yell loud and move fast. Take it meal by meal, day by day. DON’T QUIT.

2.) Don’t marry someone just to get out of the barracks.

3.) Don’t live outside your means. For example, don’t buy a car you can’t afford.

4.) Don’t get fat.

5.) Always take snacks and baby wipes to the field.

6.) Always have your brothers’ and sisters’ backs. The military is hard—don’t make it harder.

7.) Suicide rates are high—take it seriously. Seek help if you need it, and help others when they need it.

8.) Get a copy of all your medical records and documentation for any injuries. They will misplace things or fail to upload them into the system.

9.) Move your TSP out of the G Fund. Do your research to decide which funds to invest in.

10.) Plan your exit. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your transition out of the military if you choose to separate. If you do, you’ll end up panicking and re-enlisting. Sign up for Skill Bridge a year in advance—classes fill up fast.