Summary
This DOHA security clearance decision involved a 26-year-old computer technician, with concerns raised under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant manufactured and sold fake driver’s licenses for himself and underage friends to consume alcohol. Additionally, he illegally used marijuana from June 2003 to July 2010, experimented with cocaine twice, and used Adderall without a prescription from November 2004 to February 2011.
Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 25(a), AG ¶ 25(c), AG ¶ 16(c), and AG ¶ 16(e) were raised. However, the judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 17(c), AG ¶ 17(d), AG ¶ 17(e), AG ¶ 26(a), and AG ¶ 26(b).
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated significant personal growth. He showed a sincere desire to remain abstinent from drugs since July 2010, was candid throughout the process, and took positive steps to disassociate from past drug-using friends. He also sought psychiatric treatment, leading to the determination that the security clearance should be granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a sincere desire to remain abstinent from drugs since July 2010.
- He was candid and forthcoming during the security clearance process.
- He has taken positive steps to disassociate from drug-using friends and sought psychiatric treatment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor, or so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Is so Infrequent
- AG ¶ 17(d)appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained Counseling
- AG ¶ 17(e)appliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability
- AG ¶ 26(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances
- AG ¶ 26(b)appliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may be granted only upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 1, 2011
- Answer filedJan 12, 2012
- Hearing heldMay 1, 2012
- Decision dateMay 21, 2012
Cite For
- Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs Under Guideline H
- Candid Disclosures Mitigating Personal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline E
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Determinations