Summary
A 31-year-old project manager was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of excessive alcohol use and multiple operating while intoxicated (OWI) convictions. The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant consumed alcohol to excess and intoxication from approximately 1990 to at least December 2007, and was still drinking.
Specific allegations included three OWI convictions in October 1994, February 1998, and April 2003. The applicant also underwent outpatient treatment for diagnosed alcohol dependence from May to October 2003. Disqualifying conditions related to alcohol consumption and criminal conduct were raised.
While mitigating conditions for successful treatment and a period of abstinence were considered, the judge ultimately found insufficient evidence. The denial was based on the applicant's history of excessive consumption and OWI convictions, concerns that recent alcohol consumption was inconsistent with an alcohol-free lifestyle established during treatment, and a failure to demonstrate a clear, established pattern of abstinence or responsible alcohol use post-treatment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple OWI convictions, raising concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's recent alcohol consumption, even if moderate, was inconsistent with the goal of maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle established during treatment.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a clear and established pattern of abstinence or responsible use of alcohol post-treatment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentWhile some time has passed since the last OWI, the applicant's recent drinking patterns do not support this condition.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions TakenThe applicant's acknowledgment of past issues did not translate into a consistent pattern of abstinence.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and AftercareAlthough the applicant completed treatment, he did not maintain a pattern of abstinence or responsible use as required.
Key Rule Quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses, and can raise questions about an individual’s reliability and untrustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 28, 2008
- Answer filedFeb 14, 2008Requested decision based on the record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMay 21, 2008
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of a Consistent Pattern of Abstinence From Alcohol
- Impact of Past Alcohol Dependency on Current Reliability and Trustworthiness