Summary
A 54-year-old nuclear test technician was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a long history of alcohol abuse and insufficient evidence of sustained sobriety. The applicant's history of alcohol abuse spanned from the 1970s to December 31, 2005, and included multiple DUI convictions, an April 1996 DWI, and a July 1988 conviction for cocaine possession following a DWI arrest.
The applicant sought alcohol counseling in November 1988 and attended court-ordered counseling from April 1996 through June 1996, July 1996 to July 1997, and October 1999 to mid-December 1999. He also received inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence from April 17, 2003, to May 16, 2003, with aftercare counseling until September 2003. Despite these interventions, the applicant continued daily alcohol consumption for extended periods and experienced alcohol-related incidents at work, including a five-day suspension for reporting to work intoxicated. He also suffered from alcohol-related health issues, such as hepatitis C exacerbated by alcohol use.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of alcohol abuse, including multiple DUI offenses and arrests for physical altercations. The judge found that the applicant's claimed abstinence since December 31, 2005, was too short to provide adequate assurance against relapse, and he was not involved in ongoing counseling or support organizations to maintain sobriety.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple DUI offenses and arrests for physical altercations.
- The applicant's recent abstinence from alcohol is too short to provide adequate assurances against relapse.
- The applicant is not involved in ongoing counseling or support organizations to assist in maintaining sobriety.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.2raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- E2.A7.1.2.5appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant's claim of total abstinence is accepted, but the short duration and lack of ongoing support undermine its credibility.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 7, 2005
- Answer filedDec 28, 2005
- Hearing heldMay 17, 2006
- Decision dateOct 24, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Long History of Alcohol Abuse Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Sustained Sobriety and Lack of Ongoing Support
- Impact of Past Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility