Summary
A 28-year-old male applicant with a bachelor's degree in business administration was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from a history of marijuana use and two drug-related arrests. Specifically, the applicant admitted to using marijuana for seven years, including periods while holding a security clearance and serving in the National Guard, where he knew such use was prohibited. He also tested positive for illegal drug use in 2009 while in the National Guard.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline H were raised, including AG ¶ 25(a), AG ¶ 25(b), AG ¶ 25(c), and AG ¶ 25(g). While mitigating condition AG ¶ 26(b) was applied, it was insufficient to overcome the concerns.
The judge found the applicant's claims of abstinence since January 2010 and his character references unconvincing given the prolonged nature of his drug use. His assertions of ignorance regarding his security clearance status were deemed not credible. Ultimately, the judge concluded that the applicant's history raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using marijuana for seven years, including while holding a security clearance.
- He had two drug-related arrests and continued to use marijuana despite knowing it was prohibited in the National Guard.
- The applicant's claims of ignorance regarding his security clearance status were not credible.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(b)raisedTesting Positive for Illegal Drug Use
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution; or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 26(b)appliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant testified he has no intent to use marijuana in the future and provided a notarized statement to that effect.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve the question of whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 1, 2013
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldJun 18, 2013
- Decision dateJul 1, 2013
Cite For
- Denial Based on Prolonged Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance
- Credibility Issues Regarding Applicant's Knowledge of Security Clearance Status
- Impact of Drug-related Arrests on Security Clearance Eligibility