Summary
A 37-year-old male applicant was granted a security clearance after successfully mitigating concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant's alcohol-related conduct raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness, noting he began consuming alcohol at age 15 and had multiple alcohol-related incidents.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under several paragraphs of both guidelines. However, the administrative judge applied multiple mitigating conditions, concluding that the applicant had demonstrated significant rehabilitation.
The decision to grant clearance was based on the applicant's sustained sobriety since April 2015, following a 28-day inpatient treatment program. He actively participates in Alcoholics Anonymous and engages with a licensed professional counselor. The applicant demonstrated a clear and established pattern of abstinence and took responsibility for his past behavior, leading the judge to determine that granting the security clearance was consistent with national interest.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant has maintained sobriety since April 2015 after completing a 28-day inpatient treatment program.
- He actively participates in Alcoholics Anonymous and has a licensed professional counselor.
- The applicant has demonstrated a clear and established pattern of abstinence and has taken responsibility for his past behavior.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(b)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information
- AG ¶ 16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Has Passed Since the Behavior
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Actions Taken
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessful Completion of Treatment Program
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedMinor Offense or Infrequent Behavior
- AG ¶ 17(d)appliedAcknowledgment of Behavior and Counseling
- AG ¶ 17(e)appliedPositive Steps to Reduce Vulnerability
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJun 26, 2017
- Answer filedJul 20, 2017
- Hearing heldJun 14, 2018rescheduled due to witness unavailability
- Decision dateJan 28, 2019
Cite for
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Successful Rehabilitation Efforts Leading to Favorable Security Clearance Decisions
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Evaluations