Summary
Darlene D. Anderson, an Administrative Judge, denied a security clearance application for a 41-year-old Field Technician under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The denial stemmed from a history of excessive alcohol use, which included two convictions for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in 2010 and 2014. Additionally, the applicant was convicted of Domestic Violence in 2015, an incident where alcohol was identified as a contributing factor.
These events raised security concerns under Disqualifying Conditions G.22(a), G.22(c), and G.22(g). While the applicant claimed abstinence since August 2015 and completed court-ordered requirements, and Mitigating Conditions G.23(a), G.23(b), and G.23(d) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The judge determined that the applicant failed to provide adequate evidence of rehabilitation or a consistent pattern of abstinence. The decision emphasized that a longer period of sobriety is required to demonstrate the applicant's sustained ability to manage his life without alcohol, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- Applicant has a history of excessive alcohol consumption leading to multiple arrests, including two DUIs and a domestic violence charge.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a clear pattern of abstinence from alcohol.
- The judge determined that more time in sobriety is necessary to demonstrate the applicant's ability to control his life without alcohol.
Conditions referenced
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.22(g)raisedFailure to Follow Any Court Order Regarding Alcohol Education
- G.23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents is recent and frequent.
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol UseThe applicant did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.
- G.23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of a Treatment ProgramThe applicant's evidence of rehabilitation was insufficient to mitigate concerns.
Key rule quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses, and can raise questions about an individual's reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedSep 30, 2016
- Answer filedOct 20, 2016
- Hearing heldFeb 8, 2018via MS Teams
- Decision dateJun 11, 2018
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Multiple Alcohol-related Incidents
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation Under Guideline G
- Importance of Demonstrating a Clear Pattern of Abstinence for Mitigating Alcohol Consumption Concerns.