Summary
A 27-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons detailed a June 2004 arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), a history of impaired judgment due to alcohol consumption, and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence by a medical professional. Although the applicant completed an alcohol treatment program in June 2005, he resumed drinking afterward.
Disqualifying conditions G22(a), G22(c), G22(d), and G22(f) were raised, while mitigating conditions G23(b) and G23(d) were considered. However, the applicant's admission to all allegations under both guidelines, coupled with a perceived lack of accountability for his alcohol-related behavior, contributed to the denial.
The decision highlighted the applicant's history of alcohol dependence and his failure to maintain abstinence, which raised concerns about his reliability and judgment. Furthermore, inconsistent statements made during treatment and security interviews regarding his alcohol use undermined his credibility, leading to the ultimate denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations under Guideline G and Guideline E, demonstrating a lack of accountability for his alcohol-related behavior.
- The applicant's history of alcohol dependence and failure to maintain abstinence raised concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- Inconsistent statements regarding his alcohol use during treatment and security interviews undermined his credibility.
Conditions Referenced
- G22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G22(d)appliedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G22(f)appliedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism or Alcohol AbuseThe applicant did not acknowledge his alcohol problem during treatment or in AA meetings.
- G23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationAlthough the applicant completed treatment, he did not demonstrate a clear pattern of abstinence or responsible use.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision resolves only the questions of whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 1, 2009
- Answer filedMay 6, 2009
- Hearing heldJul 9, 2009
- Decision dateNov 4, 2009
Cite For
- Denial Based on Alcohol-related Incidents and Personal Conduct Issues
- Inconsistent Statements Undermining Credibility in Security Clearance Evaluations
- Failure to Demonstrate a Clear Pattern of Abstinence After Treatment for Alcohol Dependence