Summary
A 49-year-old senior software engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a long history of alcohol abuse and related misconduct. The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple allegations, including two DUIs in 2006 and 2007, habitual binge drinking, and a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence. Further incidents included a public intoxication arrest in 2006 and an arrest for public nudity and intoxication in 2007. The applicant also experienced a relapse after completing an alcohol rehabilitation program and faced allegations of failing to comply with treatment.
The denial was based on several disqualifying conditions, specifically AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 22(c), AG ¶ 22(d), and AG ¶ 22(f). The judge noted the applicant's lifelong history of alcohol abuse, marked by five serious alcohol-related incidents. A significant factor was a relapse in March 2008, which occurred while the applicant was undergoing court-ordered treatment, indicating persistent challenges with alcohol.
Despite the applicant's reported abstinence since March 2008 and participation in treatment, the judge concluded that insufficient time had passed since the last relapse. Consequently, there was not enough evidence to demonstrate that the applicant's alcohol-related behavior was unlikely to recur, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a lifelong history of alcohol abuse with five serious alcohol-related incidents of misconduct.
- The applicant relapsed in March 2008 while undergoing court-ordered treatment, indicating ongoing issues with alcohol.
- Insufficient time had passed since the applicant's last relapse to demonstrate that his alcohol-related behavior is unlikely to recur.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence and Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 5, 2009
- Answer filedSep 16, 2009Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMay 12, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to a History of Alcohol Abuse Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Relapse
- Importance of Time Elapsed Since Last Incident in Assessing Risk of Recurrence of Alcohol-related Behavior