Summary
A 24-year-old pipe designer was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) due to a history of marijuana use and a lack of candor in his application. The applicant admitted to using and purchasing marijuana for several years, and was terminated from a previous job for smoking marijuana during a work break, which raised concerns about his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.
A key issue was the applicant's dishonesty in his security clearance application. He answered "no" to three questions regarding his employment record and past illegal drug use within the preceding seven years, thereby concealing his marijuana use and job termination. This failure to disclose demonstrated a lack of candor.
Furthermore, the applicant provided inconsistent statements regarding when he ceased using marijuana, which undermined his overall credibility. Despite some mitigating conditions being considered, the cumulative concerns about his past conduct and lack of honesty in the application led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using and purchasing marijuana for several years, which raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- He was terminated from a job for smoking marijuana on a work break, indicating poor judgment.
- The applicant provided inconsistent statements regarding his cessation of drug use, undermining his credibility.
- He failed to disclose his drug use and termination in his security clearance application, demonstrating a lack of candor.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 17(c)rejectedThe Offense Is so Minor, or so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Is so InfrequentThe use of an illegal drug is a serious matter.
- AG ¶ 17(d)rejectedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained CounselingThe applicant failed to provide evidence of counseling or positive steps taken.
- AG ¶ 17(e)appliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate VulnerabilityThe applicant sought to correct the record regarding his past drug use.
Key Rule Quoted
“Conduct involving questionable judgment, lack of candor, dishonesty, or unwillingness to comply with rules and regulations can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 18, 2018
- Answer filedFeb 5, 2018Applicant admitted all allegations.
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a determination based on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 10, 2018
Cite For
- Issues of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Importance of Candor in Security Clearance Applications
- Impact of Drug Use on Security Clearance Eligibility