Summary
A 38-year-old chief steward with a federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a long history of alcohol abuse, including a diagnosis of alcohol dependence and multiple instances of intoxication and detoxification. Despite this diagnosis, he continued to consume alcohol and failed to complete a prescribed rehabilitation program.
The applicant also had a history of marijuana use, beginning in June 1991 and continuing with multiple uses between February and July 1999, and September and December 2000. He received treatment for cannabis/marijuana abuse in July 1999 and December 2000.
Crucially, the applicant deliberately provided false information on his April 30, 2003, security clearance application by answering "No" to a question about illegal drug use since age 16 or within the last seven years, failing to disclose his prior marijuana use. He further omitted material facts regarding his marijuana use during a June 22, 2004, interview with a special agent. The judge found that the applicant failed to mitigate these security concerns, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, having consumed alcohol excessively since age 12.
- He admitted to using marijuana multiple times and failed to disclose this on his security clearance application.
- The applicant provided false information during his security clearance application and interviews, demonstrating a lack of candor.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- E2.A8.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Drug Abuse or Drug Dependence
- E2.A8.1.2.5raisedFailure to Successfully Complete a Drug Treatment Program Prescribed by a Credentialed Medical Professional
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Material Facts
- E2.A5.1.2.3raisedDeliberately Providing False Information Concerning Relevant and Material Matters
- E2.A5.1.2.5raisedA Pattern of Dishonesty
- E2.A7.1.3.1rejectedThe 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 Problem
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation and Aftercare Requirements
- E2.A8.1.3.1appliedThe Drug Involvement Was Not Recent
- E2.A8.1.3.3appliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future
- E2.A8.1.3.2rejectedThe Drug Involvement Was an Isolated or Aberrational Event
- E2.A8.1.3.4rejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment Program
- E2.A5.1.3.2rejectedThe Falsification Was an Isolated Incident
- E2.A5.1.3.3rejectedPrompt, Good Faith Efforts to Correct the Falsification
Key Rule Quoted
“"No one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 27, 2005
- Answer filedAug 23, 2005Requested decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision made without a hearing.
- Decision dateJun 30, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Long History of Alcohol Abuse Under Guideline G
- Denial Based on Drug Involvement and Falsification of Information Under Guidelines H and E
- Failure to Mitigate Security Concerns Despite Past Treatment Efforts