Summary
A 42-year-old defense contractor technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol-related incidents and ongoing excessive drinking. The Statement of Reasons detailed two convictions for driving while intoxicated in 1983 and 1993, as well as a 1996 domestic assault conviction that occurred after alcohol consumption.
The applicant admitted to continuing to drink alcohol to the point of intoxication at least twice monthly. These facts raised disqualifying conditions related to habitual alcohol consumption and alcohol-related incidents. While mitigating conditions concerning the passage of time, a pattern of abstinence, or successful rehabilitation were considered, they were ultimately not applied.
The denial was based on the applicant's documented history of alcohol-related offenses, his admission of current frequent intoxication, and a lack of sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns associated with his alcohol consumption.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a history of alcohol-related offenses, including two DUIs and a domestic violence conviction.
- He admits to drinking alcohol to the point of intoxication at least twice monthly, indicating habitual binge drinking.
- The applicant did not present sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns related to his alcohol consumption.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A7.1.3.1rejectedThe Alcohol-related Incidents Do Not Indicate a PatternThe applicant's multiple alcohol-related offenses indicate a pattern.
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent ProblemThe applicant's continued drinking to intoxication indicates a recent problem.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant's behavior does not support a finding of sobriety.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security concern exists because excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of questionable judgment, unreliability, failure to control impulses, and increases the risk of unauthorized disclosure of classified information due to carelessness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 27, 2005
- Answer filedJul 25, 2005Applicant elected to have the matter decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on written record.
- Decision dateDec 27, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Habitual Alcohol Consumption
- Impact of Past Alcohol-related Offenses on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Mitigate Security Concerns Related to Alcohol Use