Summary
A 57-year-old male applicant with a history of alcohol-related driving offenses and financial difficulties was granted a security clearance. Concerns were raised under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct) due to three alcohol-related driving arrests and convictions between 1991 and 2002. The applicant was diagnosed as alcohol dependent, in remission, with a good prognosis.
To mitigate these concerns, the applicant successfully completed an intensive alcohol treatment and counseling program and three years of supervised probation. He has maintained sobriety since October 2002, voluntarily attends four to five AA meetings monthly, and has demonstrated positive behavioral changes.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), concerns included delinquent state income taxes totaling $964.00, $104.20 for emergency paramedic services, $1,416.02 in state court fines and costs from four motor vehicle citations, and a $2,168.00 medical services bill. The applicant resolved his tax issues by entering into payment arrangements and paying off the debts in full. The administrative judge granted the clearance based on the applicant's demonstrated rehabilitation and responsible behavior.
Why the applicant prevailed
- Successfully completed an intensive alcohol treatment program and maintained sobriety since October 2002.
- Resolved tax issues by entering into payment arrangements and paying off debts in full.
- Demonstrated positive changes in behavior and commitment to sobriety.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedAdmissions of Criminal Conduct
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A7.1.3.2appliedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent Problem
- E2.A7.1.3.3appliedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety
- E2.A7.1.3.4appliedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Ongoing Participation in Support Groups
- E2.10.1.2.1appliedThe Conduct Was Not Recent
- E2.10.1.2.6appliedClear Evidence of Successful Rehabilitation
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedInitiated a Good Faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key rule quoted
“Protecting national security is the paramount concern in reaching a decision in any case, and is dependent upon the primary standard that issuance of a clearance must be clearly consistent with the interests of national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedDec 30, 2004
- Answer filedJan 29, 2005
- Hearing heldOct 25, 2005
- Decision dateDec 22, 2005
Cite for
- Successful Rehabilitation After Alcohol-related Incidents
- Mitigation of Financial Difficulties Through Good Faith Efforts
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions