Summary
A 35-year-old deputy program manager was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of alcohol abuse and multiple DUI offenses spanning from the early 1990s to at least October 2005. Specific charges included drunk driving in November 1993, May 1996, March 2004, and May 2005, with convictions for the 2004 and 2005 incidents. Other criminal charges included careless and negligent operation of a vehicle, assault, indecent exposure, burglary, and property damage.
The applicant sought counseling for alcohol use in 2004 and 2005 and was in active therapy for diagnosed alcohol dependence. However, a significant relapse occurred in April 2006, while the applicant was on probation for the May 2005 DUI offense and still in counseling. During this relapse, the applicant tested positive for alcohol and failed to adhere to court orders regarding alcohol education, evaluation, treatment, or abstinence.
The denial was based on the applicant's long history of alcohol abuse, the relapse while under counseling and probation, and a failure to demonstrate a sustained commitment to recovery from alcohol dependence. While the applicant's efforts to seek counseling were noted as a mitigating factor, they were insufficient to overcome the disqualifying conditions.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple DUI offenses.
- The applicant relapsed while in counseling and on probation for a DUI offense.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a sustained commitment to recovery from alcohol dependence.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(g)appliedFailure to Follow Any Court Order Regarding Alcohol Education, Evaluation, Treatment, or Abstinence
- AG ¶ 31(a)raisedA Single Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(e)raisedViolation of Parole or Probation or Failure to Complete a Court-mandated Rehabilitation Program
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Alcoholism or Issues of Alcohol Abuse, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem, and Has Established a Pattern of Abstinence (if Alcohol Dependent) or Responsible Use (if an Alcohol Abuser)The applicant's recent relapse and lack of consistent counseling raise questions about his commitment to recovery.
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 issuedSep 25, 2006
- Answer filedOct 17, 2006
- Hearing heldDec 19, 2006
- Decision dateJan 17, 2007
Cite For
- History of Alcohol Abuse Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Decisions
- Failure to Demonstrate Sustained Recovery From Alcohol Dependence