Summary
A 47-year-old defense contractor and Navy Reserve member was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol-related issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed alcohol consumption since age 17 or 18, two DUIs in May 1996 and March 2010, and missed workdays and deadlines attributed to alcohol use. These facts raised disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 22(b), and AG ¶ 22(c).
Despite the application of mitigating conditions AG ¶ 23(b) and AG ¶ 23(d), the judge found the applicant's actions insufficient to overcome the security concerns. The denial was based on a significant relapse in January 2014 that impacted work attendance, continued sporadic alcohol consumption after a last chance agreement, and a lack of consistent engagement with rehabilitation efforts, including reduced attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and infrequent contact with his sponsor.
Ultimately, the judge concluded that the applicant had not demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation or a firm commitment to abstinence, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including two DUIs and a significant relapse in January 2014 that affected his work attendance.
- The applicant's continued sporadic alcohol consumption after signing a last chance agreement raised concerns about his judgment and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's reduced attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and lack of contact with his sponsor indicated insufficient commitment to rehabilitation.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(b)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues and Actions Taken
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedCompletion of Treatment and Participation in AALack of independent evidence of a clear pattern of modified consumption and a favorable prognosis.
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 issuedJan 21, 2015
- Answer filedFeb 9, 2015Signed and notarized.
- Hearing heldSep 21, 2015
- Decision dateJan 21, 2016
Cite for
- Evaluation of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Impact of Last Chance Agreements on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions