Summary
A 44-year-old HVAC technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a history of excessive alcohol use, including consuming up to 12 beers per day on weekends. This led to treatment for probable alcohol abuse, entry into a rehabilitation program, and interference with a civilian police operation while intoxicated. He subsequently failed to complete the rehabilitation program satisfactorily and was discharged from the Air Force as an alcohol abuse rehabilitation failure.
Further issues included an arrest for public intoxication, a conviction for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and involvement in alcohol-related domestic violence. The applicant also continued to use alcohol despite treatment for probable abuse. While an allegation of falsifying his security clearance application by mislisting a domestic violence and harassment arrest was found to be mitigated, the judge determined that the alcohol-related concerns were not.
The denial was based on the applicant's long history of excessive alcohol consumption, including incidents of driving under the influence and domestic violence. He continued to consume alcohol after being identified as a problem drinker and offered no explanations or mitigating evidence for this conduct. Consequently, no mitigating conditions were found applicable to the alcohol consumption concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of excessive alcohol consumption, including incidents of driving under the influence and domestic violence.
- He was discharged from the Air Force as an alcohol abuse rehabilitation failure and continued to consume alcohol after being identified as a problem drinker.
- The applicant offered no explanations or mitigating evidence for his conduct, and the judge found no mitigating conditions applicable to the alcohol consumption concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- DC 5appliedHabitual or Binge Drinking to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- DC 3rejectedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or DependenceThe judge found insufficient evidence regarding the identity or credentials of the person who diagnosed the applicant.
- DC 4rejectedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical ProfessionalThe judge found insufficient evidence regarding the identity or credentials of the person who diagnosed the applicant.
- DC 6rejectedConsumption of Alcohol After Diagnosis of AlcoholismThe judge found insufficient evidence regarding the identity or credentials of the person who diagnosed the applicant.
- MC 1notedThe Behavior Was Not Recent or Ongoing
- MC 2notedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Problem and Seeks Help
- MC 3notedThe Individual Has Demonstrated a Positive Change in Behavior
- MC 4notedThere Are Other Circumstances That Warrant a Favorable Decision
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 14, 2004
- Answer filedAug 9, 2004Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held.
- Decision dateMar 21, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Mitigating Conditions Related to Falsification of Security Clearance Application Not Applicable When Alcohol-related Issues Are Present.