Summary
A 31-year-old female applicant, with prior Air Force service and experience with defense contractors, was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from her admitted marijuana use in May 2013 and a subsequent failed drug test in June 2013, which resulted in her employment termination. These incidents occurred after she had been granted a security clearance in July 2011.
The Statement of Reasons specifically cited her May 2013 marijuana use, the failed drug test and termination in June 2013, and that this drug use occurred post-clearance grant. Disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 25(a), (b), and (g) were raised, while mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 26(a) and (b) were considered.
Ultimately, the judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns. Despite the applicant's claims of personal growth and disassociation from drug-using associates, she did not adequately demonstrate an intent to abstain from future drug abuse. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using marijuana in May 2013 after being granted a security clearance in July 2011.
- The applicant failed a drug test in June 2013, leading to her termination from employment.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate an intent not to abuse drugs in the future.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(b)raisedTesting Positive for Illegal Drug Use
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedAny Illegal Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedThe 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 JudgmentThe applicant's drug use was recent and occurred after obtaining a security clearance.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant did not explicitly state that she would forgo illegal substances in the future.
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 issuedSep 25, 2014
- Answer filedOct 30, 2014
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateMar 18, 2015
Cite For
- Recent Drug Use After Obtaining a Security Clearance Under Guideline H
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Security Concerns Related to Drug Involvement
- Importance of Demonstrating Intent to Avoid Future Drug Use for Clearance Eligibility