Summary
A 31-year-old defense industry contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons cited a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) and a Driving While Impaired (DWI), along with habitual or binge alcohol consumption leading to impaired judgment, and a failure to complete an alcohol treatment program.
While an alleged 2011 assault arrest under Guideline J was found not to raise a security concern, and other criminal conduct concerns were mitigated, the applicant's alcohol consumption remained a significant issue. Disqualifying conditions related to alcohol consumption were raised, despite the application of some mitigating conditions.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of excessive alcohol use, including a DWI where he was unresponsive and refused a breath sample. The applicant reportedly increased his alcohol consumption following previous alcohol-related arrests and failed to provide evidence of reformed behavior or compliance with treatment recommendations.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of excessive alcohol consumption, including a DWI arrest where he was unresponsive and refused a breath sample.
- Despite previous alcohol-related arrests, the applicant increased his alcohol consumption instead of seeking to mitigate the behavior.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of reformed behavior or compliance with treatment recommendations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Judgment
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol Use, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem, and Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Modified Consumption or Abstinence in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedThe Individual Has Successfully Completed a Treatment Program Along with Any Required Aftercare, and Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Modified Consumption or Abstinence in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 2, 2016
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateOct 23, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline J
- Failure to Demonstrate Evidence of Rehabilitation or Changed Behavior Regarding Alcohol Use