Summary
A 25-year-old security officer and Army Reserve veteran was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant's Statement of Reasons detailed approximately ten instances of marijuana use between April 2008 and August 2010. This occurred while she was eligible for classified access, though not on active duty at the time of use.
Disqualifying conditions related to drug involvement were raised, but several mitigating conditions were applied. The applicant fully disclosed her past drug use and expressed remorse for her actions. A key factor in the decision was her demonstrated abstinence from illegal drug use for over three years, with no reported use since August 2010.
Furthermore, the applicant provided a signed statement of intent to refrain from future drug use and received counseling for PTSD. Positive character references from her supervisors and military peers also supported her case, ultimately leading to the granting of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a significant period of abstinence from illegal drug use, having not used marijuana since August 2010.
- She provided credible evidence of her commitment to refrain from future drug use, including a signed statement of intent.
- The applicant received counseling for PTSD and showed positive character references from supervisors and military peers.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.25.craisedIllegal Drug Possession
- H.25.graisedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- H.26.aappliedThe 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
- H.26.bappliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future
- H.26.crejectedAbuse of Prescription Drugs Was After a Severe or Prolonged Illness During Which These Drugs Were Prescribed, and Abuse Has Since Ended
- H.26.drejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment Program, Including but Not Limited to Rehabilitation and Aftercare Requirements, Without Recurrence of Abuse, and a Favorable Prognosis by a Duly Qualified Medical Professional
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 23, 2013
- Answer filedNov 19, 2013
- Hearing heldOct 9, 2014via video teleconference
- Decision dateOct 31, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions for Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Demonstrating Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the Future
- Consideration of Character Evidence in Security Clearance Determinations