Summary
The applicant, a 35-year-old defense contractor with a Master's Degree in Business Administration, faced allegations of alcohol abuse under Guideline G. Despite a history of excessive alcohol consumption and three arrests for alcohol-related offenses from 2000 to 2005, the applicant demonstrated significant rehabilitation, reduced alcohol intake, and a commitment to responsible use. The judge granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant had overcome the government's concerns regarding reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The Government alleges that the Applicant is ineligible for clearance because he abuses intoxicants (1.a). The Applicant admitted to each of the allegations set forth in the SOR, with some qualifications (1.b). His history of excessive alcohol abuse to the point of intoxication has continued off and on from February 2000, until at least December 2005 (1.c). The Applicant has significantly reduced his alcohol consumption and has had no reoccurrence (1.d).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions 22(a), 22(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions 23(a), 23(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated significant rehabilitation and reduced alcohol consumption since his last arrest in 2005; He provided a statement of intent to avoid future alcohol abuse, consenting to automatic revocation of his clearance if he relapses; Letters of recommendation attested to his professionalism and integrity, supporting his reliability.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated significant rehabilitation and reduced alcohol consumption since his last arrest in 2005.
- He provided a statement of intent to avoid future alcohol abuse, consenting to automatic revocation of his clearance if he relapses.
- Letters of recommendation attested to his professionalism and integrity, supporting his reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- 23(a)appliedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was Infrequent
- 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues and Evidence of Actions Taken
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 10, 2009
- Answer filedJul 15, 2009
- Hearing heldNov 19, 2009Rescheduled from November 10, 2009.
- Decision dateApr 7, 2010
Cite For
- Mitigation of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Evidence of Rehabilitation and Responsible Alcohol Use
- Whole Person Assessment in Security Clearance Determinations