Summary
A 41-year-old former Air Force officer was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a documented history of alcohol-related incidents and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. The Statement of Reasons detailed three driving under the influence (DUI) offenses: one in June 2000, resulting in nonjudicial punishment; a conviction in September 2011; and a third charge in September 2016, leading to a guilty verdict, 70 days confinement, two years of supervised probation, community service, and an alcohol education course.
Following the 2011 DUI, the applicant underwent detoxification, inpatient alcohol treatment from November 2011 to January 2012, where he was diagnosed with alcohol dependence, and a 21-week outpatient program completed in April 2012. He was administratively separated from the Air Force in October 2013 due to the two DUI offenses.
The denial was based on the applicant's pattern of multiple alcohol-related incidents, including three DUIs with high blood alcohol content levels. The judge determined there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the applicant had overcome his alcohol dependence or maintained sobriety independently of probation requirements, raising significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of multiple alcohol-related incidents, including three DUIs with high blood alcohol content levels.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of overcoming alcohol dependence and maintaining sobriety outside of probation constraints.
- The judge found that the applicant's pattern of alcohol misuse raises significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's history of multiple incidents indicates a pattern of behavior.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant did not demonstrate a consistent pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment ProgramThe applicant's history does not support maintaining abstinence without probation constraints.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 15, 2017
- Answer filedJul 12, 2017
- Hearing heldJan 18, 2018Originally scheduled for 01/16/2018, rescheduled due to administrative error.
- Decision dateApr 6, 2018
Cite For
- Evaluation of Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Multiple Duis on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation in Alcohol-related Cases