Summary
A 41-year-old applicant, who had held a security clearance since 2002, was denied a renewed clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons cited multiple alcohol-related arrests, including a DUI, and the applicant's failure to report a 2011 DUI arrest to his employer or facility security officer.
The decision highlighted three alcohol-related arrests over an eight-year period, which included multiple DUI charges. A significant concern was the applicant's failure to report the 2011 DUI arrest, impacting his reliability and judgment. Furthermore, the applicant continued to consume alcohol despite a diagnosis of alcohol dependency and advice to abstain.
While the applicant presented evidence of good character and employment, the judge determined that these factors did not sufficiently mitigate the security concerns. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had three alcohol-related arrests over an eight-year period, including multiple DUI charges.
- He failed to report a 2011 DUI arrest to his employer, raising concerns about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant continued to consume alcohol after being diagnosed with alcohol dependency and advised to abstain.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedConduct Involving Questionable Judgment
- AG ¶ 16(d)raisedFailure to Comply with Rules and Regulations
- AG ¶ 16(e)raisedFailure to Provide Truthful Answers During the Security Clearance Process
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed Since the Last IncidentThe applicant's history of alcohol-related offenses undermines the mitigating value of time.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant's continued drinking after treatment and diagnosis undermines this condition.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationThe applicant has not provided updated evaluations or evidence of sustained sobriety.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 21, 2015
- Answer filedSep 22, 2015
- Hearing heldApr 21, 2016
- Decision dateAug 26, 2016
Cite For
- Insufficient Mitigation of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Failure to Report Adverse Information Under Guideline E
- Impact of Past Behavior on Current Reliability and Trustworthiness