Summary
A 21-year-old security guard for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns across five guidelines: Personal Conduct, Financial Considerations, Alcohol Consumption, Drug Involvement, and Criminal Conduct. The applicant's history included alcohol abuse leading to hospitalization and a detoxification stay, as well as a failure to attend a recommended rehabilitation program.
Further issues involved a history of marijuana use and an arrest three years prior for "Menacing/Possession of Weapon," which resulted in one night in jail. Financially, the applicant incurred over $11,000 in debt from an alcohol-related hospitalization, which she could not pay, leading to bankruptcy.
Despite some mitigating factors, the judge determined that the applicant's pattern of substance abuse and financial irresponsibility outweighed these considerations, resulting in the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of alcohol abuse that led to hospitalization and a detoxification stay.
- The applicant failed to attend a recommended rehabilitation program, indicating a lack of commitment to recovery.
- The applicant's financial issues, including over $11,000 in debt and bankruptcy, raised security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedConsumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedDrug Involvement
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedFinancial Considerations
- E2.A10.1.2.2raisedCriminal Offenses
- E2.A5.1.2.1raisedPersonal Conduct
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Current ProblemThe applicant's alcohol abuse was within the last three years.
- E2.A8.1.3.1rejectedDrug Use Was Not RecentThe extent of past drug use raised ongoing concerns.
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedGood Faith Effort to Resolve the DebtThe applicant filed for bankruptcy but did not provide evidence of debt discharge.
- E2.A10.1.3.1appliedThe Offense Was Not RecentThe applicant's criminal offense occurred at age 17.
- E2.A5.1.3.1appliedInformation Not Pertinent to Judgment, Trustworthiness, or ReliabilityThe applicant's firing from a job was not deemed relevant.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 30, 2003
- Answer filedJun 2, 2003Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Written record decision.
- Decision dateOct 28, 2003
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Recent Alcohol Abuse and Lack of Rehabilitation Efforts
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Past Criminal Conduct in Security Clearance Determinations