Summary
A 38-year-old engineering technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of substance abuse and faced allegations of failing to mitigate security concerns related to her personal conduct, alcohol consumption, and drug involvement and misuse.
The denial was based on several factors. The applicant admitted to using illegal drugs while already holding a security clearance and further expressed an intent to continue this behavior. These recent actions and her stated lack of commitment to abstain from drug use raised significant doubts regarding her reliability and trustworthiness.
Ultimately, the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a consistent pattern of abstinence from substance abuse. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to using illegal drugs while holding a security clearance and expressed intent to continue such behavior.
- The applicant's recent actions and lack of commitment to abstain from drug use raised significant doubts about her reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a pattern of abstinence from substance abuse.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Substance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional of Substance Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 25(f)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information or Holding a Sensitive Position
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse, or Failure to Clearly and Convincingly Commit to Discontinue Such Misuse
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
Key rule quoted
“the clearly consistent standard indicates that security determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 11, 2021
- Answer filedJun 20, 2021
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision based on the administrative record.
- Decision dateAug 29, 2022
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Substance Abuse Issues
- Failure to Mitigate Concerns Under Guidelines E, G, and H
- Expressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement as a Disqualifying Factor