Summary
A 60-year-old employee of a Department of Defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including five arrests for DUI and related offenses. One such incident in February 1982 involved an arrest for DUI with a .10 percent breathalyzer result, which was later reduced to reckless driving, resulting in a $75 fine and $20 in court costs.
The applicant was diagnosed with alcohol dependence in 2008 and continued to consume alcohol up to two weeks before his hearing. Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G included a pattern of alcohol consumption that is chronic and habitual, alcohol-related incidents, and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence.
While mitigating conditions such as the passage of time since some incidents and the applicant's efforts to address the problem were considered, the applicant's continued alcohol consumption and failure to establish a clear pattern of abstinence or responsible use ultimately led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had multiple alcohol-related incidents, including five arrests for DUI and related offenses.
- He was diagnosed as alcohol dependent in 2008 and continued to consume alcohol up to two weeks before the hearing.
- The applicant's failure to demonstrate a clear pattern of abstinence or responsible use of alcohol contributed to the denial.
Conditions Referenced
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- G.22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant acknowledged his alcoholism but did not establish a consistent pattern of abstinence.
- G.23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and Established Pattern of AbstinenceThe applicant did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 5, 2015
- Answer filedApr 2, 2014
- Hearing heldSep 14, 2015via teleconference without video
- Decision dateSep 22, 2015
Cite For
- Denial Based on Multiple Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Impact of Recent Alcohol Consumption on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Establish a Pattern of Abstinence or Responsible Alcohol Use