Summary
A 39-year-old mechanical technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had a history of excessive alcohol use from 1981 to 2001, including multiple alcohol-related convictions. Specifically, he was convicted of driving while intoxicated in 1994 and 2000, and of having an open container of alcohol in 1998.
Despite completing four alcohol treatment programs, the applicant's prognosis for sobriety was deemed poor. Additionally, he failed to disclose all relevant alcohol-related incidents and treatments on his security clearance application. While the applicant's difficulty reading and comprehending was noted, and he was found to have mitigated concerns related to personal conduct, the judge determined that he did not sufficiently mitigate the concerns regarding alcohol consumption.
The denial was based on the applicant's long history of excessive alcohol use and convictions, his poor prognosis for sobriety, and his failure to fully disclose all alcohol-related incidents on his application.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple alcohol-related convictions.
- The applicant's prognosis for sobriety was poor despite completing four alcohol treatment programs.
- The applicant failed to disclose all alcohol-related incidents on his security clearance application.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence.
- E2.A7.1.2.4raisedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Who Is a Staff Member of a Recognized Alcohol Treatment Program.
- E2.A7.1.3.1rejectedThe Alcohol-related Incidents Do Not Indicate a Pattern.The applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents shows a pattern of alcohol use and abuse.
- E2.A7.1.3.2appliedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent Problem.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety.The applicant did not establish solid evidence supportive of sobriety.
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedFollowing Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence, the Individual Has Successfully Completed Rehabilitation and Has Received a Favorable Prognosis.The applicant did not present a favorable prognosis from a professional.
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 issuedSep 8, 2004
- Answer filedSep 15, 2004
- Hearing heldJun 22, 2005
- Decision dateAug 5, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Poor Prognosis for Sobriety Under Guideline G
- Failure to Disclose Relevant Information on Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Consideration of Applicant's Reading Comprehension Issues in Evaluating Personal Conduct