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Summary

The applicant, a 31-year-old photo optic technician, faced security concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to past drug use and delinquent debts. The applicant demonstrated significant lifestyle changes, including a commitment to sobriety and financial responsibility, leading to the granting of his security clearance.

Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Telecommunication collection ($379) (2.a). Medical bill ($67) (2.b). Medical bill ($142) (2.c). Creditor ($669) (2.d). Creditor ($5,536) (2.e). Cable TV bill ($196) (2.f). Telecommunication collection ($172) (2.g). Insurance bill ($81) (2.h). Insurance bill ($101) (2.i). Medical bill ($2,288) (2.j). Medical bill ($356) (2.k). Medical bill ($2,672) (2.l). Medical bill ($442) (2.m). IRS debt (no amount indicated) (2.n). Cocaine was Applicant’s drug of choice, with lesser use of crack, marijuana, and some experimentation with heroin (1.a). Applicant contributed to the purchase of drugs on the set of his assignments while freelancing in a major city (1.b). Applicant has not used drugs since making the decision to quit abusing drugs in around late February or early March 2007 (1.c). Applicant admits his past drug use, but notes 'I have definitely left that lifestyle and left that environment.' (1.d).

The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 25, AG ¶ 19. The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 26(b), AG ¶ 20. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has been drug-free since March 2007 and has made significant lifestyle changes; He provided credible testimony and evidence of his commitment to sobriety and family values; The applicant's financial situation improved, with most debts paid or resolved.

Why the Applicant Prevailed

• The applicant has been drug-free since March 2007 and has made significant lifestyle changes.
• He provided credible testimony and evidence of his commitment to sobriety and family values.
• The applicant's financial situation improved, with most debts paid or resolved.

Conditions Referenced

Key Rule Quoted

“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”

Procedural Posture

• SOR issuedJul 31, 2008
• Answer filedSep 11, 2008
• Hearing heldFeb 4, 2009Proposed by applicant.
• Decision dateMar 2, 2009

Cite For

• Demonstrating Sustained Sobriety Under Guideline H
• Resolving Financial Delinquencies Under Guideline F
• The Importance of Lifestyle Changes in Security Clearance Evaluations