Summary
A 25-year-old female defense contractor employee, working since July 2003, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The Statement of Reasons detailed her past drug use, including marijuana from August 1998 to October 2002, three instances of cocaine use in 2000, and two instances of hallucinogenic mushroom use in 2000. Additionally, she was alleged to have possessed and contributed to the purchase of illegal drugs, socialized with individuals involved with illegal drugs, and was present during a drug raid in 2003, though not in possession of illegal substances.
Disqualifying conditions related to personal conduct and drug involvement were raised. However, several mitigating conditions were applied, focusing on her demonstrated personal growth and commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
The clearance was granted because the applicant ceased all drug use in 2002 and has since maintained a drug-free lifestyle, distancing herself from individuals involved with drugs. The Government acknowledged that her explanations sufficiently mitigated the security concerns, recognizing a significant change in her lifestyle and priorities.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant demonstrated a significant change in lifestyle and priorities since ceasing drug use in 2002.
- She has maintained a drug-free lifestyle and distanced herself from individuals involved with drugs.
- The Government acknowledged that Applicant's explanations were sufficient to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- E2.A8.1.2.2raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- E2.A5.1.2.6raisedAssociation with Persons Involved in Criminal Activity
- E2.A8.1.3.1appliedThe Drug Involvement Was Not Recent
- E2.A8.1.3.3appliedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the Future
- E2.A5.1.3.5appliedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Significantly Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability to Coercion, Exploitation, or Duress
- E2.A5.1.3.7appliedAssociation with Persons Involved in Criminal Activities Has Ceased
Key Rule Quoted
“There is no right to a security clearance and one seeking access to classified information must be prepared to enter into a fiduciary relationship with the United States Government that is inherently predicated on trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 19, 2005
- Answer filedFeb 10, 2005
- Hearing heldJun 17, 2005at Arlington, Virginia
- Decision dateJul 14, 2005
Cite For
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Under Guideline H Due to Personal Growth
- Successful Distancing From Past Associations with Drugs Under Guideline E
- The Importance of a Drug-free Lifestyle in Security Clearance Determinations