Summary
A 55-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to an ongoing history of alcohol-related issues and a lack of commitment to treatment. The applicant's Statement of Reasons detailed three DUI convictions between 1980 and 1998, a diagnosis of alcoholism by a psychologist, and the voluntary discontinuation of alcohol treatment in May 2006, after which he resumed drinking.
The applicant admitted to these incidents, which established a pattern of alcohol abuse. Disqualifying conditions E2.A7.1.2.1, E2.A7.1.2.2, and E2.A7.1.2.3 were raised, while mitigating conditions E2.A7.1.3.1, E2.A7.1.3.2, and E2.A7.1.3.3 were applied.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant's voluntary cessation of treatment and resumption of drinking demonstrated an insufficient commitment to sobriety. Furthermore, the applicant prioritized managing rental properties over addressing his acknowledged ongoing alcohol problem, raising concerns about his judgment and reliability.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to three alcohol-related incidents from 1980 to 1998, demonstrating a pattern of alcohol abuse.
- The applicant voluntarily discontinued treatment for alcoholism and resumed drinking, indicating a lack of commitment to sobriety.
- The applicant prioritized managing rental properties over addressing his alcohol problem, which he acknowledged as ongoing.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.2rejectedAlcohol-related Incidents at WorkAlthough the applicant admitted to drinking before work, there was no evidence he was impaired on the job.
- E2.A7.1.2.3rejectedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical ProfessionalThe psychologist who diagnosed the applicant was not a clinical psychologist.
- E2.A7.1.3.1rejectedThe Alcohol-related Incidents Do Not Indicate a PatternThe applicant had multiple incidents indicating a pattern of alcohol abuse.
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent ProblemThe applicant's alcohol problem is ongoing and he has not made positive changes.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant has not made any positive changes and continues to drink heavily.
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 issuedJun 30, 2006
- Answer filedJul 31, 2006
- Hearing heldNov 15, 2006
- Decision dateDec 28, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Failure to Demonstrate Commitment to Sobriety Despite Past Treatment
- Pattern of Alcohol-related Incidents Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility