Summary
A 59-year-old senior mechanic with 28 years of defense sector employment was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had three arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) between 1984 and 2013, and reported drinking to intoxication approximately twice a week. Additionally, the applicant used marijuana on multiple occasions from 2008 to November 2016, while already holding a security clearance.
The applicant failed to disclose his marijuana use on his December 19, 2014 Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF 86) or security clearance application, and also failed to disclose his alcohol-related incidents on his security clearance application.
Despite some mitigating factors related to personal conduct, the judge determined that the applicant's pattern of drug involvement and alcohol consumption, coupled with the omissions on his application, presented significant unmitigated security concerns. Consequently, the applicant was denied eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant used marijuana while holding a security clearance from 2008 to November 2016.
- Applicant has three DUI arrests, indicating a pattern of alcohol-related incidents.
- The applicant failed to disclose his marijuana use and two DUIs on his security clearance application.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(f)raisedIllegal Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's marijuana use is considered recent.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Drug InvolvementThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of actions taken to overcome drug involvement.
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed Since BehaviorThe applicant's alcohol-related incidents are recent and frequent.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 5, 2016
- Answer filedJan 23, 2016
- Hearing heldMay 4, 2017Applicant waived his right to 15 days of notice.
- Decision dateAug 16, 2017
Cite For
- Denial Based on Recent Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Denial Due to Multiple Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Failure to Mitigate Personal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline E