Summary
A 36-year-old communications technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol abuse. The applicant admitted to drinking to intoxication from 1986 to January 2004, during which time he received five DUI convictions and one public intoxication conviction. His last reported alcohol use was in January 2004.
An alcohol use counselor evaluated the applicant, identifying alcohol abuse/dependency issues with numerous characteristics in remission. However, the counselor also noted the applicant lacked a healthy support network and had not presented sufficient positive indicators for future sobriety.
Despite the applicant's claim of abstinence since January 2004, the judge found that the long history of alcohol-related incidents, coupled with the absence of a healthy support network or ongoing participation in recovery programs, meant that security concerns were not mitigated. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of alcohol-related incidents, including multiple DUI convictions and a public intoxication charge.
- The applicant's last use of alcohol was in January 2004, but he failed to demonstrate a healthy support network or ongoing participation in recovery programs.
- The alcohol counselor's evaluation indicated concerns about the applicant's lack of involvement in self-help programs, which are critical for maintaining sobriety.
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 history of multiple alcohol-related incidents indicates a clear pattern of abuse.
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent ProblemThe applicant's last incident of alcohol use was in January 2004, which is not sufficiently remote.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant's lack of a support network and absence from recovery programs undermined claims of positive behavioral changes.
Key Rule Quoted
“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 issuedMar 14, 2005
- Answer filedApr 16, 2005
- Hearing heldNov 17, 2005
- Decision dateJan 26, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to a Pattern of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation and Support Network for Alcohol Dependency
- Importance of Ongoing Participation in Recovery Programs for Mitigating Security Concerns.