Summary
A 25-year-old federal contractor clerk was initially denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), G (Alcohol Consumption), and H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons cited a past-due student loan of $1,578 and ten collection accounts ranging from $98 to $5,225. Additionally, the applicant was alleged to have used marijuana between May 2003 and May 2013, purchased it monthly from August 2007 to May 2013, and used cocaine twice between December 2008 and June 2011. A DUI arrest in November 2013 also raised concerns.
However, the applicant demonstrated significant mitigating factors. He resolved all delinquent debts, showing a commitment to financial responsibility. He also ceased all illegal drug use in May 2013 and expressed a clear intent to abstain from future drug use.
Furthermore, the DUI charge was dismissed, and the applicant's alcohol consumption was not deemed excessive or problematic. Based on these demonstrated efforts and resolutions, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved all delinquent debts and demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility.
- He has not used illegal drugs since May 2013 and expressed a clear intent to abstain from future drug use.
- The DUI charge was dismissed, and the applicant's alcohol consumption was not excessive or problematic.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- H.25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E.16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- E.16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation
- F.20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- F.20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- H.26(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- H.26(b)appliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future
- G.23(a)appliedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unique Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- E.17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor, or so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Is so Infrequent That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- E.17(d)appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained Counseling to Change the Behavior
- E.17(e)appliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability to Exploitation
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 17, 2014
- Answer filedJul 14, 2014Applicant elected for decision based on administrative record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on administrative record.
- Decision dateJan 30, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Demonstrated Intent to Abstain From Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Isolated DUI Incident Not Indicative of Current Reliability Under Guideline G