Summary
A 58-year-old retired Air Force Master Sergeant was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Statement of Reasons detailed several alcohol-related incidents, including a minor in possession charge in September 1966, a failure to obey a lawful order while in the Air Force in April 1978, and an open container citation in June 1994. A significant concern was a DUI arrest in May 2002, which led to treatment from June to August 2002, where he was diagnosed with alcohol dependence in sustained partial remission.
Additionally, the applicant was alleged to have falsified his security clearance application by failing to list the June 1994 open container citation. Disqualifying conditions E2.A7.1.2.1, E2.A7.1.2.3, and E2.A7.1.2.5 were raised.
However, the applicant successfully demonstrated positive behavioral changes. He achieved three years of sustained sobriety following his alcohol treatment and provided credible testimony regarding his past incidents and the inadvertent omission on his application. Mitigating conditions E2.A7.1.3.3 and E2.A7.1.3.4 were applied, and his long history of dedicated service and contributions to national defense further supported the decision to grant his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated sustained sobriety for three years after completing alcohol treatment.
- He provided credible testimony regarding his past alcohol-related incidents and the inadvertent omission on his application.
- The applicant's long history of dedicated service and contributions to national defense supported his case.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- E2.A7.1.3.3appliedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety
- E2.A7.1.3.4appliedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Favorable Prognosis
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 issuedMay 3, 2004
- Answer filedMay 24, 2004
- Hearing heldApr 8, 2005Transferred to the judge on April 1, 2005.
- Decision dateMay 31, 2005
Cite For
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Issues Through Demonstrated Sobriety
- Credibility of Applicant's Testimony Regarding Past Conduct
- Consideration of Long-term Service and Contributions to National Defense in Clearance Decisions