Summary
A 35-year-old married DoD civilian employee with two children was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons specifically alleged excessive alcohol consumption that could impair judgment and raise questions about reliability. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 22(c), AG ¶ 22(d), and AG ¶ 22(e) were raised.
However, the administrative judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. The applicant voluntarily sought treatment for alcohol dependence in 2019 and demonstrated significant behavioral improvement. He maintained complete abstinence from alcohol for over a year and subsequently moderated his consumption to occasional drinking without intoxication.
Further supporting the decision, the applicant consistently maintained a strong work record, evidenced by outstanding performance ratings and positive character references. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant voluntarily sought treatment for alcohol dependence in 2019 and demonstrated significant improvement in his behavior.
- He abstained from alcohol for over a year and has since moderated his consumption to occasional drinking without intoxication.
- The applicant maintained a strong work record with outstanding performance ratings and received positive character references.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Once Diagnosed
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was Infrequent
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem
- AG ¶ 23(c)appliedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment Program and Making Satisfactory Progress
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessfully Completed a Treatment Program and Demonstrated a Clear Pattern of Modified Consumption or Abstinence
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 23, 2025
- Answer filed—Applicant submitted a Supplemental Response on 2025-08-20.
- Hearing heldSep 17, 2025
- Decision dateDec 11, 2025Decision delayed due to federal government shutdown.
Cite for
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Importance of Voluntary Treatment and Ongoing Counseling
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations