Summary
A 37-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of alcohol-related driving offenses, including multiple arrests, with the last arrest occurring in 2003. Additionally, the applicant had a long history of alcohol use and related problems, and as late as 2003, considered consuming six to twelve beers over five or six hours to be moderate.
Further issues included the applicant's failure to report an alcohol education program on an assessment form and a history of drug use while holding a security clearance, despite not having used drugs for four years. The applicant also attended counseling for drug use but did not report it on a court assessment form.
Although the applicant expressed regret and demonstrated some lifestyle changes and sobriety, the judge determined that insufficient time had passed since these changes to mitigate the security concerns. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol-related offenses and drug use, including multiple arrests.
- The applicant failed to report participation in an alcohol education program on an assessment form.
- Insufficient time had passed since the applicant's lifestyle change to justify granting a security clearance.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.1raisedExcessive Alcohol Consumption
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A8.1.1.3raisedDrug Abuse Is the Illegal Use of a Drug
- E2.A5.1.1raisedQuestionable Judgment, Untrustworthiness, Unreliability
- E2.A5.1.2.5raisedPattern of Rule Violations
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedFailure to Provide Complete and Accurate Information
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedSeveral Events Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Current ProblemThe applicant's recent history of alcohol use while holding a security clearance precludes application.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyInsufficient time has passed since the applicant's change in behavior.
- E2.A8.1.3.1rejectedDrug Involvement Was Not RecentThe applicant's drug use occurred while holding a security clearance.
- E2.A8.1.3.2rejectedDrug Involvement Was an Isolated or Aberrational EventThe applicant's history of drug use is extensive.
- E2.A8.1.3.3rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's past behavior raises concerns about future compliance.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 24, 2004
- Answer filedSep 3, 2004
- Hearing heldJun 14, 2005
- Decision dateJul 20, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Extensive History of Alcohol-related Offenses
- Insufficient Time Since Lifestyle Change to Mitigate Security Concerns
- Failure to Report Prior Counseling on Assessment Forms as a Disqualifying Factor