Summary
A 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant's history included two arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) in June 2012 and August 2013, along with a 2012 diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. He failed to follow treatment advice and complete required treatment for this condition.
Additionally, the applicant admitted to a single instance of cocaine use in 2006 while serving as a young private in the Army. While mitigating factors were applied for his drug involvement, the ongoing alcohol misuse and unresolved criminal issues were central to the denial.
Specifically, the applicant's continued social alcohol consumption, including instances of intoxication, undermined his claims of control. Furthermore, he failed to resolve outstanding legal issues related to a warrant for his arrest, demonstrating a lack of compliance with legal obligations. These factors collectively led to the denial of his security clearance application.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a history of alcohol abuse and two DUI arrests, which raise concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- He continues to consume alcohol socially, including instances of intoxication, which undermines claims of control over his alcohol use.
- The applicant failed to resolve outstanding legal issues related to a warrant for his arrest, indicating a lack of compliance with legal obligations.
Conditions referenced
- G22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- G22(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption Not in Accordance with Treatment Recommendations
- H25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- J31(a)raisedPattern of Minor Offenses
- J31(d)raisedViolation or Revocation of Parole or Probation
- H26(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Was Infrequent
- H26(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Drug Involvement and Established Pattern of Abstinence
- G23(a)appliedTime Has Passed Since Last Alcohol-related Incident
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 10, 2017
- Answer filedAug 9, 2017
- Hearing heldSep 27, 2017Applicant waived the 15-days notice required.
- Decision dateDec 1, 2017
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Misuse Under Guideline G
- Impact of Unresolved Criminal Issues on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline J
- Mitigating Factors for Drug Involvement Under Guideline H Despite Other Disqualifying Conditions.