Summary
A 24-year-old air cushion vehicle technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of excessive drinking and a severe alcohol dependency diagnosis. From approximately 2006 until May 2013, the applicant consumed alcohol to the point of intoxication. In October 2009, he was hospitalized for acute alcohol poisoning with a blood alcohol content of 0.28. Following this incident, he received outpatient alcohol counseling from November 2009 to March 2010 and was diagnosed as alcohol dependent.
Despite this diagnosis, he continued to consume alcohol until at least May 2013, and was diagnosed with severe alcohol dependency in July 2013. The applicant admitted to this history of alcohol consumption and continued use until September 2013.
Although the applicant claimed recent abstinence and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, the judge found this insufficient to demonstrate rehabilitation or a change in circumstances. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to a history of alcohol consumption to the point of intoxication from 2006 until May 2013.
- He was diagnosed as alcohol dependent after receiving counseling but continued to consume alcohol until September 2013.
- The applicant's recent abstinence was insufficient to demonstrate rehabilitation or a change in circumstances.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 22(e)raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's history of alcohol consumption and recent abstinence were insufficient to mitigate concerns.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Evidence of Action TakenThe applicant's recent actions did not demonstrate a clear pattern of rehabilitation.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling and Established Pattern of AbstinenceThe applicant had not established a long-term pattern of abstinence or rehabilitation.
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedOct 25, 2013
- Answer filedNov 14, 2013Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing heldFeb 20, 2014
- Decision dateFeb 24, 2014
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Dependency Issues
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Alcohol-related Incidents
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions