Summary
A 25-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to unresolved issues under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). While Guideline E (Personal Conduct) concerns were not established, the applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents proved disqualifying.
Specifically, the applicant faced allegations related to two DUIs within the last five years. The first occurred in November 2018 in State A, and the second in March 2019 in State B. Both incidents took place while the applicant was undergoing Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) treatment and was required to abstain from alcohol, a fact the applicant admitted in response to the Statement of Reasons. The applicant had been diagnosed with moderate alcohol use disorder and advised by treatment providers to abstain.
Despite claims of improved behavior and no recent legal issues, the judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns. The denial was based on the applicant's history of two DUIs while in treatment, failure to follow treatment recommendations, and a lack of sufficient evidence to support claims of improved behavior. Eligibility for access to classified information was therefore denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of two DUIs while under treatment for alcohol use disorder.
- The applicant failed to follow treatment recommendations to abstain from alcohol consumption.
- The applicant's claims of improved behavior were not supported by sufficient evidence to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- G.22.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22.draisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional of Alcohol Use Disorder
- G.22.eraisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Once Diagnosed
- G.22.fraisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations After Diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- J.31.braisedEvidence of Criminal Conduct
- G.23.arejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant continues to consume alcohol contrary to treatment recommendations.
- G.23.brejectedAcknowledgment of Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol UseThe applicant's modified consumption plan does not align with treatment recommendations.
- G.23.crejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant is not currently in an alcohol treatment program.
- G.23.drejectedSuccessful Completion of a Treatment ProgramThe applicant did not complete the SUDCC program.
- J.32.arejectedTime Elapsed Since Criminal BehaviorThe applicant's ongoing alcohol consumption raises concerns about recurrence of criminal behavior.
- J.32.drejectedEvidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant's continued alcohol consumption undermines claims of rehabilitation.
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 17, 2022
- Answer filedMar 18, 2022Requested decision based on written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateApr 25, 2023
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Consumption Issues
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Follow Treatment Recommendations as a Disqualifying Factor