Summary
A 36-year-old male applicant with a master's degree was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons cited two primary issues: an arrest for public intoxication in Virginia in January 2012, and his termination from a federal contractor on July 16, 2015, for arriving at work intoxicated and behaving inappropriately.
These incidents raised concerns that the applicant's excessive alcohol consumption could create vulnerabilities to exploitation or duress, and negatively impact his personal and professional standing. Disqualifying conditions G.22.a, G.22.b, and E.16.e were raised.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions G.23.a, G.23.b, E.17.c, E.17.d, and E.17.e, the judge determined that the applicant's recent conduct continued to cast doubt on his reliability and trustworthiness. The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide sufficient evidence of sustained behavioral change or mitigation of the security concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had two alcohol-related incidents, including a public intoxication arrest and termination from employment due to intoxication at work.
- The applicant's recent conduct continues to cast doubt on his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of sustained behavioral change or mitigation of the security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- G.22.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22.braisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- E.16.eraisedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability to Exploitation
- G.23.arejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant's incidents were recent and continue to cast doubt on his reliability.
- G.23.brejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant acknowledged his issues but did not demonstrate a clear pattern of modified consumption.
- E.17.crejectedMinor Offense or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's conduct was not minor and continues to raise concerns.
- E.17.drejectedAcknowledgment and Counseling for BehaviorThe applicant has not provided sufficient evidence of rehabilitation.
- E.17.erejectedPositive Steps to Reduce VulnerabilityWhile the applicant has taken some steps, it is too soon to determine if they will be effective.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 14, 2016
- Answer filedNov 2, 2016Requested decision on the record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateOct 20, 2017
Cite For
- Denial Based on Recent Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation or Mitigation of Security Concerns.