Summary
The applicant, a 55-year-old retired Army lieutenant colonel with a master's degree, sought a security clearance under Guideline G due to past alcohol consumption issues. After acknowledging his alcohol dependency, he abstained from drinking since May 2013, actively participated in Alcoholics Anonymous, and received a favorable prognosis from a therapist. The judge granted the clearance, citing the applicant's significant rehabilitation efforts and commitment to sobriety.
Under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The Government alleges in this paragraph that Applicant is ineligible for a clearance because he used intoxicants to excess (1.a). Applicant showed up to work with alcohol on his breath (1.b). The therapist diagnosed Applicant as being alcohol dependent (1.c).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions G.22(b), G.22(c), G.22(e). The judge applied mitigating conditions G.23(a), G.23(b), G.23(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a commitment to sobriety by abstaining from alcohol since May 2013; He actively participated in Alcoholics Anonymous, attending meetings regularly; The therapist provided a favorable prognosis, indicating the applicant's compliance with treatment recommendations.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to sobriety by abstaining from alcohol since May 2013.
- He actively participated in Alcoholics Anonymous, attending meetings regularly.
- The therapist provided a favorable prognosis, indicating the applicant's compliance with treatment recommendations.
Conditions Referenced
- G.22(b)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.22(e)raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.23(a)appliedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to Recur
- G.23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Evidence of Actions Taken
- G.23(d)appliedSuccessful Completion of Counseling and Established Pattern of Abstinence
Key Rule Quoted
“Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment or the failure to control impulses, and can raise questions about an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 22, 2014
- Answer filedMay 9, 2014
- Hearing heldSep 10, 2014
- Decision dateOct 27, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Alcohol-related Security Concerns Under Guideline G
- Successful Rehabilitation Efforts Leading to a Favorable Prognosis
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility