Summary
A 20-year-old college student was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons cited his abuse of marijuana and LSD during his freshman year of college. Additionally, he had expressed an intent to continue using controlled substances during a June 2011 interview. These issues raised disqualifying conditions DC 25(a) and DC 25(h).
However, the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. He has not used any controlled substances since August 2011 and has since renounced his prior intent to continue drug use. The decision noted his sincere commitment to remain drug-free, applying mitigating conditions MC 26(a) and MC 26(b).
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated a sincere intent not to abuse drugs in the future, supported by his consistent abstinence since August 2011. His positive contributions to his university and academic success further supported his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant has not used any controlled substances since August 2011.
- He demonstrated a sincere intent not to abuse drugs in the future.
- Applicant's positive contributions to his university and his academic success support his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- DC 25(h)rejectedExpressed Intent to Continue Illegal Drug UseApplicant has since renounced that intent and discontinued the use of any controlled substance.
- MC 26(a)appliedBehavior 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
- MC 26(b)appliedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future
Key Rule Quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance decision is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 18, 2012
- Answer filedSep 10, 2012Applicant submitted a response to the SOR.
- Hearing heldNov 27, 2012Hearing conducted as scheduled.
- Decision dateDec 6, 2012
Cite For
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the Future
- Consideration of Applicant's Age and Circumstances in Drug-related Cases