Summary
A 29-year-old mechanical engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant's history included multiple arrests for alcohol-related offenses and other criminal activities during his youth, specifically three DUIs.
The Statement of Reasons highlighted the applicant's history of alcohol-related arrests, his continued occasional excessive alcohol consumption, and the absence of a diagnosis or treatment for alcohol use disorder. While the applicant had not been arrested in four years, demonstrating some positive behavioral changes, these efforts were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant failed to mitigate the concerns under Guideline G, primarily due to his ongoing occasional excessive drinking despite the four-year period without arrests. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of multiple arrests for alcohol-related offenses, including three DUIs.
- Despite not being arrested in four years, the applicant continues to drink to excess on occasion, which raises concerns under Guideline G.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A10.1.2.1appliedCriminal Conduct Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A7.1.2.1appliedAlcohol Consumption Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A5.1.3.5appliedPersonal Conduct Mitigating ConditionThe applicant has taken positive steps to significantly reduce or eliminate vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or duress.
- E2.A10.1.3.1appliedCriminal Conduct Mitigating ConditionThe criminal behavior was not recent.
- E2.A10.1.3.6appliedCriminal Conduct Mitigating ConditionThere is clear evidence of successful rehabilitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“No one has a right to a security clearance and "the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 13, 2005
- Answer filedApr 25, 2005Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldOct 12, 2005Record held open until 10/21/2005.
- Decision dateJan 17, 2006
Cite For
- Evaluation of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Impact of Criminal History on Security Clearance Under Guideline J
- Consideration of Alcohol Consumption Issues Under Guideline G