Summary
A former U.S. Navy Operations Specialist was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), Guideline I (Psychological Conditions), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including three arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) between July 2018 and February 2020. These incidents led to inpatient treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe, from April to June 2019, and court-ordered individual alcohol treatment from November 2020 to February 2021. A licensed clinical psychologist again diagnosed the applicant with Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe, in April 2024.
Disqualifying conditions were raised regarding alcohol consumption, psychological conditions, and criminal conduct. While the applicant demonstrated some mitigating factors for criminal conduct, specifically nearly five years without a DUI or DWI and evidence of rehabilitation, these were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on multiple alcohol-related incidents, which raised significant doubts about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness. Psychological evaluations indicated ongoing issues with alcohol use disorder, questioning judgment and stability. The applicant's testimony about moderating alcohol consumption was not fully credible, as he admitted to drinking to intoxication as recently as February 2023. The judge ultimately found unresolved issues regarding the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had multiple alcohol-related incidents, including three DUIs, which raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's psychological evaluations indicated ongoing issues with alcohol use disorder and questioned his judgment and stability.
- The applicant's testimony about moderating his alcohol consumption was not fully credible, as he admitted to drinking to intoxication as recently as February 2023.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on Judgment
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedOpinion by a Mental Health Professional Indicating Impairment
- AG ¶ 31(a)appliedPattern of Minor Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(b)appliedEvidence of Criminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 31(d)appliedViolation of Probation
- AG ¶ 32(a)appliedTime Elapsed Since Criminal Behavior
- AG ¶ 32(d)appliedEvidence of Successful Rehabilitation
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 6, 2024
- Answer filedNov 11, 2024
- Hearing heldJul 31, 2025
- Decision dateFeb 3, 2026
Cite for
- Security Concerns Regarding Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Psychological Conditions on Security Clearance Under Guideline I
- Criminal Conduct and Its Implications for Reliability and Trustworthiness Under Guideline J