Summary
A 50-year-old defense contractor with a Master's degree in Information Security was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons alleged poor financial judgment, excessive alcohol consumption impacting reliability, and an emotional, mental, and personality condition impairing judgment.
While the judge found the financial issues mitigated by circumstances beyond the applicant's control, significant security concerns remained regarding alcohol use and psychological conditions. Disqualifying conditions included a history of excessive alcohol consumption, three DUI arrests, and a psychological evaluation diagnosing unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.
The denial was based on the applicant's long history of excessive alcohol consumption, the psychological diagnoses impairing judgment and reliability, and a failure to demonstrate sustained sobriety or compliance with treatment recommendations. These factors indicated an ongoing risk to security, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of excessive alcohol consumption, including three DUI arrests, which raised serious security concerns.
- The applicant's psychological evaluation indicated a diagnosis of unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, which impair judgment and reliability.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate sustained sobriety or compliance with treatment recommendations, indicating ongoing risk to security.
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 ¶ 28(a)raisedBehavior That Casts Doubt on Judgment
- AG ¶ 28(b)raisedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use PatternThe applicant did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.
- AG ¶ 29(a)rejectedCondition Controllable with TreatmentThe applicant's psychological and alcohol conditions were not under control.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 3, 2022
- Answer filedMar 31, 2022
- Hearing heldJul 21, 2022
- Decision dateNov 10, 2022
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Psychological Conditions on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline I
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control