Summary
A 54-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a 1994 driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction and a history of alcohol dependence, for which he entered a voluntary treatment program in 2000.
Despite attending multiple weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the applicant continued to consume alcohol, including a daily intake of 16 ounces of gin, indicating ongoing impaired judgment and a lack of control over his alcohol problem. Furthermore, the applicant failed to disclose his alcohol treatment on his security clearance application, which raised additional concerns regarding personal conduct.
The judge determined that the applicant had not demonstrated a significant period of sobriety since his diagnosis of alcohol dependence and did not mitigate the concerns related to his alcohol consumption and personal conduct. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of alcohol dependence and continues to consume alcohol despite attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
- The applicant's alcohol consumption was significant, with a daily intake of 16 ounces of gin, indicating a lack of control over his alcohol problem.
- The applicant failed to disclose his alcohol treatment on his security clearance application, raising concerns under Guideline E.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence.
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence.
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment.
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, Falsification or Misrepresentation of Relevant and Material Facts.
- E2.A7.1.2.1rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Current Problem.The applicant continues to consume alcohol and has not achieved a significant period of sobriety.
- E2.A5.1.3.2appliedThe Falsification Was an Isolated Incident, Was Not Recent, and the Individual Has Subsequently Provided Correct Information Voluntarily.The applicant disclosed his DUI arrest, indicating some level of candor.
Key Rule Quoted
“"No one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 31, 2003
- Answer filedDec 18, 2003
- Hearing heldApr 14, 2004
- Decision dateSep 24, 2004
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Consumption Despite Treatment
- Impact of DUI Convictions on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Disclose Relevant Treatment History on Security Clearance Applications