Federal Job and Drug Testing

[Jigsaw]

I hope I posted this in the or a correct forum.

I just applied to my dream job.  Seriously, I have wanted to do this job for 20 years now. I have no problem revealing I am FtM for the background check or anything... I was fully aware of that when I applied.  The problem I may have is that IF I move on through the different stages of being hired for this job, there is mandatory drug testing.   First off, I don't now or have ever done illegal drugs, but I worry about drug testing only because I have not had bottom surgery.  I am just wondering if anybody has experience as a TSA employee or the process and can tell me if somebody is going to be staring at me?   I have no problems giving samples, heck, they can pat me down, have me strip to shorts and a t-shirt if it makes them feel better... I just don't want to have somebody staring at me when I have not had the surgery to better pass.  I have never had much luck with STPs, and I am sure most of them would even look pretty fake if somebody was watching me pee. 

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.   I would honestly die to get this job, but as much as I would love it, I don't know if I could bring myself to deal with the drug screening in my current state.

[JoanneB]

The pre-employment drug test is typically for "Illicit" and probably often abused prescription drugs. I have gone through the process a couple of years ago for a prime contractor. I wouldn't sweat over that. When I took mine at Lab-Corp I wasn't "Monitored" as I had to fill the cup, if you catch my drift. I went into the special rest-room and did my thing. I guess they were happy with a steamy sample.

It sounds as if you are doing stealth. The time to freak out is if you ever get handed the 20 page application for a DOD security clearance. You can run but you can't hide.

[Beth Andrea]

When I was in the military, drug test protocol required an NCO (sergeant) to directly observe the urine leaving the body. Any use of a non-body part (ie, a surgical tube, etc) was an automatic failure.

But, when I got out into the civilian world, I've never been "directly observed" by anyone. It's just me and my little cup...and a toilet.

(btw, I can now pee on command. Several years in the .mil taught me a number of useless skills LOL).

I would think a UA by the TSA would be modeled after the .mil. A urinalysis isn't about passing. It's about making sure you are not compromised by drugs or possible blackmail attempts (by the "bad guys"). Just relax, no one in an "observer" role cares what kind of plumbing you have. Maybe talk to your doc about taking an anti-anxiety pill before going for the test?

[Jigsaw]

Thanks for the info. I have heard pre-screening is normally unobserved, but nobody I have spoken to seems to know about once you are hired.  Guess I am lucky in I can pee anytime, anywhere normally. I was the one doing the dance in line wishing people would hurry up lol. of course the military never had enough observers. Once I was an E-6 I got to do most of the observing ( yay me...not)

As for background check, I know the job requires Secret clearance so I am not worried. I know as long as I am up front and honest the check will be fine. All my documents and ID are in order and I changed my name before I left the military so that part does not bother me. Plus after having a few clearance checkers interview me regarding others I am not worried. They have always been professional and know how to ask questions without revealing why they ask them. 

Kinda weird feeling really to not care about the clearance after so many years hiding who I was. It was such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders when I retired because now I don't have to really hide who I am and I have a lot more rights, or feel I do. So refreshing.  I guess I do live a stealth life, but I am fine with the need to know happening too. Lol, I just don't feel anybody needs to know in the restroom.