Summary
A 37-year-old avionics technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline G, Alcohol Consumption, due to a history of excessive alcohol use and driving while intoxicated. The Statement of Reasons detailed several concerns, including a DUI arrest in 1988 and the applicant's admissions of continued excessive drinking and driving while intoxicated. The applicant had previously been ordered to attend alcohol education programs due to these incidents, and his wife believed he had a drinking problem, which he denied.
The decision highlighted that the applicant failed to demonstrate a change in behavior regarding his alcohol consumption and did not provide evidence of rehabilitation or positive changes. Disqualifying condition E2.A7.1.2.1 was raised, while mitigating conditions E2.A7.1.3.1, E2.A7.1.3.2, and E2.A7.1.3.3 were considered but ultimately not applied.
The denial was based on the applicant's ongoing excessive drinking and driving while intoxicated, conflicting statements about his alcohol consumption, and a failure to present credible evidence of rehabilitation or behavioral change. Despite previous program attendance, the applicant's continued risky behavior and lack of credibility led to the conclusion that security concerns were not mitigated.
Why the applicant was denied
- Applicant continues to drink excessively and drives while intoxicated.
- Applicant provided conflicting statements regarding his alcohol consumption and potential problems.
- Applicant failed to present credible evidence of rehabilitation or change in behavior.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence, Fighting, Child or Spouse Abuse, or Other Criminal Incidents Related to Alcohol Use
- E2.A7.1.3.1appliedThe Alcohol-related Incidents Do Not Indicate a Pattern
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent ProblemApplicant's ongoing alcohol consumption and driving incidents indicate a current problem.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyApplicant did not provide evidence of positive changes or sobriety.
Key rule quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance determination is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 5, 2005
- Answer filedJul 22, 2005Applicant responded to SOR allegations.
- Hearing held—Case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 30, 2005
Cite for
- Ongoing Alcohol Consumption as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline G
- Credibility Issues Arising From Conflicting Statements About Alcohol Use
- The Importance of Demonstrating Rehabilitation in Alcohol-related Cases