Summary
A 50-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The denial stemmed from a history of alcohol abuse, a lack of sustained sobriety efforts, and the deliberate omission of information on his security clearance application.
Specifically, the applicant had a documented history of alcohol-related incidents, including driving under the influence, and was diagnosed as alcohol dependent by a medical professional. He exhibited a pattern of habitual or binge alcohol consumption that impaired his judgment, continuing to drink even after multiple rehabilitation programs. His alcohol use also contributed to financial difficulties, including bankruptcy. At the time of the hearing, he had not participated in any recognized sobriety maintenance program.
Furthermore, the applicant failed to disclose the use of an alias on his security clearance questionnaire and during the subsequent investigation. This omission, along with his ongoing alcohol consumption and lack of demonstrated positive behavioral changes, led the judge to conclude that his conduct raised significant security concerns, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of daily alcohol consumption that impaired his judgment.
- He was diagnosed as an alcoholic and admitted to alcohol rehabilitation three times but continued drinking until four months prior to the hearing.
- The applicant failed to disclose the use of an alias on his security clearance questionnaire and during the investigation.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Dependence.
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment.
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program.
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, Falsification or Misrepresentation of Relevant and Material Facts.
- E2.A5.1.2.4raisedPersonal Conduct That Increases an Individual's Vulnerability to Coercion, Exploitation, or Duress.
- E2.A5.1.2.5raisedA Pattern of Dishonesty or Rule Violations.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety.The applicant's four months of abstinence from alcohol was insufficient to mitigate the concerns due to his lengthy history of alcohol abuse.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 26, 2003
- Answer filedSep 22, 2003Applicant responded to the SOR allegations.
- Hearing heldDec 2, 2003Hearing convened to consider security clearance.
- Decision dateJan 12, 2004
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Abuse and Lack of Rehabilitation
- Failure to Disclose Relevant Information on Security Clearance Application
- Pattern of Dishonesty and Personal Conduct Issues Affecting Security Eligibility