Summary
A 48-year-old married man with a computer science and engineering background was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of alcohol dependence, diagnosed as a drinking problem, which he addressed through inpatient treatment in 2006. He has maintained abstinence from alcohol since then and received a favorable prognosis.
However, the applicant also had a long history of marijuana use, beginning at age 14 and continuing for approximately 25 years, several times a week through college and young adulthood, declining to several times a month by his 40s, and ceasing entirely in 2004. He failed to disclose this marijuana use on a security clearance application in January 2005, continuing a pattern of untruthfulness about his drug use that began with his original security clearance application in 1989. He later disclosed his marijuana use to an investigator in late 2005.
The denial was based on his long history of alcohol dependence, his failure to disclose marijuana use on security clearance applications, and the fact that his marijuana use occurred while he held a security clearance. Despite his rehabilitation from alcohol and a favorable prognosis, the judge found that his long-term marijuana use and prior dishonesty raised significant security concerns.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a long history of alcohol dependence, which led to a diagnosis and required rehabilitation.
- The applicant failed to disclose his marijuana use on security clearance applications, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- The applicant's marijuana use occurred while holding a security clearance, raising questions about reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 24appliedUse of an Illegal Drug or Misuse of a Prescription Drug
- AG ¶ 25(a)appliedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(g)appliedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues and Actions Taken to Overcome Them
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Favorable Prognosis
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedNov 7, 2008
- Answer filedNov 22, 2008
- Hearing heldFeb 17, 2009
- Decision dateMar 31, 2009
Cite for
- Evaluation of Alcohol Dependence Under Guideline G
- Impact of Drug Use on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Candor in Security Clearance Applications