Summary
A 30-year-old machinist and Army National Guard member was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of excessive alcohol use. The applicant's record included a nolo contendere plea to a March 2007 DUI, a conviction for an April 2012 chemical test refusal, and a conviction for a March 2015 DUI, which resulted in 18 months of probation. He was diagnosed with alcohol dependence in 2012 and 2013, and with alcohol use disorder in 2015. Despite these diagnoses and ongoing counseling since July 2015, he continued to consume alcohol to intoxication until at least March 2017.
The judge found that the applicant's pattern of maladaptive alcohol use persisted even after multiple DUIs and alcohol treatment. Although the applicant stated he had abstained from alcohol since March 2017 and participated in Alcoholics Anonymous, the judge determined it was too early to conclude that his alcohol abuse was unlikely to recur.
Consequently, the security clearance was denied. Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G were raised, while mitigating conditions were considered but ultimately deemed insufficient to overcome the concerns regarding the applicant's history of alcohol consumption.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of excessive alcohol consumption, including three DUIs within eight years.
- He consumed alcohol to intoxication as recently as March 2017, despite ongoing counseling since July 2015.
- The applicant's pattern of maladaptive alcohol use persisted after multiple DUIs and alcohol treatment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical or Mental Health Professional
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice Once Diagnosed
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- AG ¶ 22(g)raisedFailure to Follow Any Court Order Regarding Alcohol Education, Evaluation, Treatment, or Abstinence
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedRecognition of Alcohol Issues and Efforts to Address Them
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedEvidence of Rehabilitation
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 issuedJul 13, 2017
- Answer filedJul 21, 2017
- Hearing heldNov 15, 2017
- Decision dateFeb 8, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Recent Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Rehabilitation Efforts in the Context of Ongoing Alcohol Issues