Summary
A 27-year-old logistics technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. The Statement of Reasons included allegations stemming from a September 2018 arrest for driving while impaired, contributing to an accident, and failure to maintain vehicle control. Although the applicant completed treatment in December 2018 with a good prognosis, conditioned on sobriety and AA attendance, he continued to consume alcohol and failed to follow treatment recommendations.
The judge applied Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 22(a) and AG ¶ 22(c), noting the applicant's admissions to the DUI incident and ongoing alcohol use. While Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 23(a), AG ¶ 23(b), and AG ¶ 23(d) were considered, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
Ultimately, the denial was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence from alcohol, despite completing counseling. The judge concluded that the applicant's admitted alcohol use posed an unacceptable risk to national security.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to a DUI incident and ongoing alcohol consumption, which raised concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence from alcohol despite completing counseling.
- The judge found that the applicant's admissions regarding alcohol use indicated a risk to national security.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's ongoing alcohol consumption indicated a risk of recurrence.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant did not demonstrate a clear pattern of modified consumption.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment ProgramThe applicant did not establish a clear pattern of abstinence or modified consumption.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 18, 2025
- Answer filedMar 18, 2025Requested decision on the written record.
- Hearing heldSep 24, 2025Decision issued.
- Decision dateSep 24, 2025
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Consumption Issues
- Impact of Ongoing Alcohol Use on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Evaluation of Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline G