Summary
A 28-year-old male applicant was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of serious alcohol abuse. Disqualifying conditions G.2.a and E.2 were raised, while mitigating conditions G.3.a and G.3.b were applied.
The denial was based on several factors, including the applicant's admission of approximately 30 alcohol-induced blackouts over a four-year period and driving under the influence about 17 times between 2007 and 2011. His alcohol consumption was considered too high, evidenced by consuming six drinks just two days before the hearing.
Furthermore, the applicant had not sought counseling or treatment for his alcohol issues, which the judge viewed as a lack of seriousness regarding the problem. The judge ultimately found the applicant's claims of improved behavior unconvincing and unsupported by sufficient evidence, concluding that his alcohol consumption remained a significant security risk.
Conditions Referenced
- G.2.araisedAlcohol Consumption, Which Is of a Nature, Frequency, or Duration That Raises a Question as to an Individual's Judgment, Reliability, or Trustworthiness.
- E.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts From Any Personnel Security Questionnaire or Similar Form Used to Conduct Investigations of an Individual's Eligibility for Access to Classified Information.
- G.3.arejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Alcoholism or Issues of Alcohol Abuse, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem, and Has Established a Pattern of Abstinence (if Alcohol Dependent) or Responsible Use (if an Alcohol Abuser).The judge concluded that the applicant's current alcohol consumption remained too high and did not demonstrate a pattern of responsible use.
- G.3.brejectedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment.The judge found that the applicant's history of alcohol abuse and recent consumption patterns indicated ongoing risk.
Key Rule Quoted
“The general standard is that a clearance may be granted only when ‘clearly consistent with the interests of the national security.’”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 31, 2012
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing heldJan 31, 2013After the close of the record.
- Decision dateApr 12, 2013Appeal board affirmed the judge's decision.
Cite For
- Serious Alcohol Consumption Issues Under Guideline G
- Falsification of Information Under Guideline E
- The Importance of Demonstrating a Pattern of Responsible Alcohol Use for Mitigation