Summary
A 28-year-old test site manager for a defense contractor was granted a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) despite a history of alcohol-related incidents and treatment for PTSD. The Statement of Reasons detailed several allegations, including habitual alcohol consumption leading to impaired judgment, a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and dependence from the VA in 2007, and a prior diagnosis of alcohol dependence from a Navy facility in 2006.
Specific incidents included an arrest for alcohol-related disorderly conduct in April 2007, and charges in November 2005 for alcohol-related assault, destruction of nonmilitary property, and drunk/disorderly conduct. The applicant was also charged with drunk and disorderly conduct on another occasion and continued to consume alcohol after being diagnosed as alcohol dependent.
The judge found that the applicant had mitigated the security concerns. This decision was based on the applicant demonstrating sustained remission from alcohol abuse since June 2007, confirmed by multiple mental health professionals. Recent evaluations indicated no current alcohol-related issues, and the applicant had a strong support system. Additionally, character references and work performance were consistently described as exemplary. The security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated sustained remission from alcohol abuse since June 2007, as confirmed by multiple mental health professionals.
- The applicant's recent evaluations indicated no current alcohol-related issues and a strong support system.
- The applicant's character references and work performance were consistently described as exemplary.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(d)appliedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or DependencePartial application due to conflicting diagnoses.
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Passed Since Last IncidentSignificant time has passed since the last alcohol-related incident.
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedEvidence of RehabilitationThe applicant has shown evidence of rehabilitation and positive changes in behavior.
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is designed to examine a sufficient period of an applicant’s life to enable predictive judgments to be made about whether the applicant is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 28, 2010
- Answer filedAug 28, 2010
- Hearing heldDec 16, 2010
- Decision dateApr 21, 2011
Cite For
- Mitigation of Alcohol-related Concerns Under Guideline G
- Importance of Recent Evaluations in Assessing Alcohol Consumption
- Evidence of Rehabilitation and Positive Character References in Security Clearance Cases