Summary
A 59-year-old electrical engineer's application for a security clearance was denied due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant admitted to using marijuana approximately three times a year from August 1987 until January 2015, including periods while holding eligibility for access to classified information. This long-term drug use raised disqualifying conditions related to personal conduct and drug involvement.
While mitigating conditions were considered, the judge ultimately found that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a firm commitment to abstain from future drug use. The applicant's admitted marijuana use while holding a security eligibility, coupled with the lack of demonstrated reform, led to ongoing concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Consequently, the application for a security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using marijuana while granted access to classified information.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of rehabilitation or a commitment to abstain from drug use.
- The applicant's long history of drug use raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25(a)raisedAny Substance Misuse
- H.25(f)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information or Hold a Sensitive Position
- H.25(g)raisedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse, or Failure to Clearly and Convincingly Commit to Discontinue Such Misuse
- E.16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- H.26(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good JudgmentThe applicant's marijuana use was frequent and recent.
- H.26(b)rejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problems, and Has Established a Pattern of AbstinenceThe applicant did not present evidence of rehabilitation or a commitment to abstain.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 20, 2016
- Answer filedNov 14, 2016
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the matter decided on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 23, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Long-term Drug Involvement
- Lack of Evidence for Rehabilitation in Drug Use Cases
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility