Summary
A 61-year-old staff engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a documented history of alcohol-related incidents and a lack of demonstrated behavioral change. The Statement of Reasons cited three specific charges: public intoxication in 2008, driving while intoxicated (DWI) in 2011, and a second DWI offense in 2016. Additionally, the applicant was alleged to have consumed alcohol, at times to excess and intoxication, from 1975 to at least May 2018.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G were raised, specifically concerning a pattern of alcohol-related incidents and continued alcohol consumption to the point of intoxication. While several mitigating conditions were considered, they were ultimately not sufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of excessive alcohol consumption and a pattern of alcohol-related criminal conduct. Despite admitting to a history of alcohol use to intoxication, he did not demonstrate substantial behavioral change or seek treatment. The judge concluded that the applicant continues to consume alcohol, at times to intoxication, without recognizing it as a problem, making the granting of a security clearance inconsistent with national security interests.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of excessive alcohol consumption and a pattern of alcohol-related criminal conduct.
- He admitted to a history of alcohol use to intoxication but did not demonstrate substantial behavioral change or seek treatment.
- The applicant continues to consume alcohol, at times to intoxication, without recognizing it as a problem.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents is recent and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Actions TakenThe applicant has not acknowledged a pattern of maladaptive alcohol use or taken substantial actions to overcome it.
- AG ¶ 23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant has not participated in a treatment program or made satisfactory progress.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment ProgramThe applicant has not completed a treatment program or demonstrated a pattern of abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“An applicant has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue his security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 10, 2018
- Answer filedAug 31, 2018
- Hearing heldJan 22, 2019
- Decision dateMar 18, 2019
Cite For
- Pattern of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Failure to Demonstrate Rehabilitation or Change in Lifestyle
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption