Summary
A 35-year-old engineer employed by a defense contractor was denied a security clearance primarily due to unresolved drug involvement concerns under Guideline H, despite some mitigating factors related to personal conduct under Guideline E. The applicant admitted to extensive past drug use, including marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
The Statement of Reasons detailed several allegations, including the applicant's use of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms after submitting his security clearance application in 2003, which created a vulnerability to exploitation. Further allegations cited the applicant's possession and use of various illegal substances, and his continued drug use after applying for the clearance. While the applicant expressed an intent to abstain from future drug use, this did not fully resolve the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of illegal drug use, which raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness. Despite a signed statement of intent to abstain, the applicant's past behavior continued to cast doubt on his current judgment, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's extensive history of illegal drug use raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- Despite a signed statement of intent to abstain from drug use, the applicant's past behavior continued to cast doubt on his current judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.25.craisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution; or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- H.26.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good JudgmentThe applicant continued to use illegal drugs after submitting a security clearance application.
- H.26.bappliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant submitted a signed statement of intent not to use illegal drugs while holding a security clearance.
- E.17.eappliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability to Exploitation, Manipulation, or DuressThe applicant has been honest about his drug use and has taken steps to change his lifestyle.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 19, 2010
- Answer filedJun 7, 2010
- Hearing heldAug 19, 2010
- Decision dateSep 28, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Drug Involvement Concerns
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Issues Despite Past Drug Use
- Importance of Demonstrating a Sufficient Period of Abstinence From Illegal Drug Use