Summary
A 51-year-old defense contractor's security clearance application was denied under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol-related driving offenses and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. The applicant had three separate alcohol-related driving incidents within a 16-month period and had consumed alcohol to excess since approximately 1980.
Despite completing a court-ordered treatment program, the applicant resumed drinking and did not establish a pattern of abstinence or modified consumption. He also failed to provide evidence of participation in any further counseling or treatment since his last program.
The judge determined that the applicant had not demonstrated a clear and established pattern of modified consumption or abstinence in accordance with treatment recommendations, nor had he provided evidence of rehabilitation or responsible alcohol use. Consequently, the application for a security clearance was denied, as there was insufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant committed three alcohol-related driving offenses within a 16-month period.
- He resumed drinking after completing court-ordered alcohol treatment, despite being diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
- The applicant provided no evidence of rehabilitation or a pattern of responsible alcohol use.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents does not support this condition.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Pattern of AbstinenceThe applicant did not acknowledge his alcohol dependence or establish a pattern of abstinence.
- AG ¶ 23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant failed to provide evidence of ongoing participation in treatment after his court-ordered program.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationThe applicant resumed drinking after treatment and did not demonstrate compliance with treatment recommendations.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 30, 2010
- Answer filedJun 20, 2010Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 8, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Alcohol-related Offenses Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Alcohol Treatment
- Resumption of Alcohol Consumption Post-treatment as a Disqualifying Factor