Summary
A 27-year-old single male applicant was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of illegal drug use, including marijuana from 2008 to February 2015, cocaine 12 to 24 times (or potentially double that frequency) during his sophomore year of college (2009-2010), hallucinogenic mushrooms five to seven times between July 2009 and February 2015, and methamphetamine once in 2012.
While the applicant successfully mitigated the drug involvement concerns, his history of alcohol consumption remained problematic. This included multiple alcohol-related arrests and citations, a history of habitual or binge drinking leading to impaired judgment, and an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Although he had not been diagnosed with alcohol abuse or dependence, the applicant's attitude and lack of accountability regarding his alcohol use were critical factors.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate sufficient understanding or responsibility for his alcohol consumption. He displayed a lack of comprehension regarding the seriousness of his alcohol abuse, often deflecting blame. Consequently, none of the mitigating conditions for alcohol consumption were applicable, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant's history of alcohol-related arrests raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant displayed a lack of comprehension regarding the seriousness of his alcohol abuse, deflecting blame onto others.
- None of the mitigating conditions for alcohol consumption were applicable due to the applicant's attitude and lack of accountability.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so InfrequentThe applicant's alcohol-related incidents were recent and frequent.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Maladaptive Alcohol UseThe applicant did not acknowledge his pattern of alcohol abuse.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJun 15, 2016
- Answer filedJul 18, 2016
- Hearing heldDec 20, 2017
- Decision dateMar 1, 2018
Cite for
- Failure to Mitigate Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Alcohol-related Incidents
- Lack of Acknowledgment of Alcohol Abuse as a Factor in Security Clearance Decisions