Summary
A 31-year-old analyst with a bachelor's degree in economics was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed his marijuana use from approximately 1996 until February 2009, including purchasing and selling marijuana, and attempting to grow it. Additionally, he used cocaine on two occasions in 2003. These allegations raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines paragraphs 25(a), 25(c), and 25(g).
However, the applicant demonstrated significant personal growth and a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle since quitting drugs in February 2009. He distanced himself from drug-using associates and established a stable professional and personal life. The judge applied mitigating conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines paragraphs 26(a), 26(b)(1), 26(b)(2), and 26(b)(4).
The clearance was granted because the applicant showed a significant lifestyle change, provided credible testimony and a signed statement acknowledging future consequences, and received positive work references confirming his reliability and professionalism.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a significant change in lifestyle by quitting drug use and distancing himself from drug-using associates.
- He provided credible testimony and evidence of his commitment to remaining drug-free, including a signed statement acknowledging the consequences of future drug use.
- Positive work references highlighted his reliability and professionalism, supporting his case for clearance.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution; or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 26(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 26(b)(1)appliedDisassociation From Drug-using Associates and Contacts
- AG ¶ 26(b)(2)appliedChanging or Avoiding the Environment Where Drugs Were Used
- AG ¶ 26(b)(4)appliedA Signed Statement of Intent with Automatic Revocation of Clearance for Any Violation
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 21, 2010
- Answer filedAug 2, 2010Applicant admitted all allegations and requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldOct 1, 2010
- Decision dateNov 22, 2010
Cite for
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Importance of Personal Transformation in Security Clearance Cases
- Weight of Positive Character References in Adjudication Decisions