Summary
A 57-year-old quality control inspector was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol-related offenses and a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. The Statement of Reasons cited three instances of driving under the influence, including a felony third offense, a diagnosis of alcohol dependence, and allegations of habitual consumption leading to impaired judgment and alcohol-related incidents away from work. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 22(c), and AG ¶ 22(d) were raised.
While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 23(a), AG ¶ 23(b), and AG ¶ 23(d) were applied, the judge found them insufficient. The denial was based on the applicant's pattern of poor judgment and reliability demonstrated by multiple alcohol-related incidents.
The judge determined that the applicant's 14 months of abstinence at the time of the hearing was insufficient given his extensive history of alcohol abuse. Concerns were also raised about his ability to maintain sobriety after the completion of probation, leading to the ultimate denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had multiple alcohol-related incidents, including three DUIs, indicating a pattern of poor judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's abstinence from alcohol was only 14 months at the time of the hearing, which is insufficient given his lengthy history of alcohol abuse.
- The applicant's past behavior raised concerns about his ability to maintain sobriety after probation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequency of BehaviorThe applicant's negative alcohol-related conduct was both frequent and recent.
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Problem and Pattern of Abstinence
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessful Completion of Treatment and Favorable Prognosis
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision resolves only the question 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 issuedFeb 17, 2010
- Answer filedMar 12, 2010
- Hearing heldMay 24, 2010
- Decision dateAug 19, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Multiple Duis Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Long-term Recovery From Alcohol Dependence
- Impact of Recent Alcohol-related Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility