Summary
A 47-year-old network operations technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a 30-year history of excessive alcohol consumption, including nine alcohol-related incidents, the most recent being a DUI conviction with probation requiring total abstinence.
Additionally, the applicant faced allegations of falsifying a May 2003 public trust application by failing to disclose a July 1998 BWI arrest and a November 1995 "mooning" arrest. He was also alleged to have falsified September 2007 interrogatory answers by denying illegal drug use. The record noted that some other listed arrests were not alcohol-related.
Despite attending counseling and AA, the judge found the applicant failed to demonstrate a sufficient pattern of abstinence or responsible use. His credibility was undermined by his self-assessment that he is not an alcoholic and lacks an alcohol dependence diagnosis. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a 30-year history of excessive alcohol consumption with nine alcohol-related incidents.
- The most recent incident was a DUI conviction with probation conditions requiring total abstention from alcohol.
- Applicant does not consider himself an alcoholic and lacks a diagnosis of alcohol dependence, undermining his credibility regarding his alcohol issues.
Conditions Referenced
- G ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurApplicant's alcohol abuse was recent and frequent.
- G ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions TakenApplicant's acknowledgment of past mistakes was vague and insufficient.
- G ¶ 23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramProgress in counseling was insufficiently documented.
- G ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationApplicant lacks a track record demonstrating that his alcohol problems are behind him.
Key Rule Quoted
“The government has a compelling interest in ensuring each Applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 25, 2008
- Answer filedApr 4, 2008
- Hearing heldJul 14, 2008
- Decision dateJul 29, 2008
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Long History of Alcohol Abuse Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation or Abstinence Despite Participation in Counseling
- Credibility Issues Regarding Applicant's Acknowledgment of Alcohol Problems Under Guideline E