Summary
A 42-year-old production test manager with military service was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) due to repeated drug use and a pattern of dishonesty on security clearance applications. The applicant deliberately failed to disclose drug use on multiple occasions, including answering "No" to relevant questions in Section 22, Item "a" and Section 24, Item "a" of his personnel security questionnaires and e-QIP. At his hearing, he admitted these omissions were intentional or without good reason.
Specifically, the applicant used marijuana on at least five occasions between 1996 and 2000 while holding a security clearance. He also used marijuana in October and December of 2009, again while holding a security clearance. These actions raised disqualifying conditions related to deliberate misrepresentation and a pattern of questionable judgment.
Although the applicant attended counseling and claimed to have ceased drug use, these mitigating efforts were deemed insufficient. The judge found that the applicant's deliberate omissions and continued illegal drug use while holding a clearance raised serious doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant deliberately omitted his drug use on security clearance applications, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- He continued to use illegal drugs while holding a security clearance, raising questions about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's attempts at counseling were deemed insufficient to mitigate the concerns regarding his dishonesty and past behavior.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(e)(1)raisedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation
- AG ¶ 17(a)rejectedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct the OmissionThe applicant did not correct the falsifications before being confronted.
- AG ¶ 17(d)rejectedAcknowledgment of Behavior and CounselingCounseling did not address the dishonesty about drug use.
- AG ¶ 17(e)rejectedPositive Steps to Reduce Vulnerability to ExploitationThe applicant's behavior was not deemed unlikely to recur.
Key Rule Quoted
“Conduct involving questionable judgment, lack of candor, dishonesty, or unwillingness to comply with rules and regulations can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 31, 2012
- Answer filedJul 12, 2012
- Hearing heldOct 26, 2012
- Decision dateNov 23, 2012
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Serious Concerns About Reliability and Trustworthiness Due to Drug Use
- Insufficient Mitigation Efforts Regarding Personal Conduct Issues