Summary
A 25-year-old software engineer's security clearance application was denied under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to a history of alcohol-related issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed a September 2003 DUI arrest after consuming 11-14 beers, a probation violation for not attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, habitual binge drinking leading to impaired judgment, and alcohol consumption following an alcohol dependence diagnosis.
While the applicant's failure to attend AA meetings was attributed to a family emergency, and a pattern of alcohol-related incidents was not demonstrated, these did not sufficiently mitigate the concerns. Disqualifying conditions were established by the applicant's history of binge drinking and the DUI arrest.
The denial was based on the applicant's resumption of alcohol consumption shortly after completing probation, which raised concerns about reliability and judgment. The applicant also failed to provide sufficient evidence of positive behavioral changes or ongoing support for sobriety, leading to the ultimate denial of the security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a history of habitual binge drinking and a DUI arrest, which established disqualifying conditions.
- The applicant resumed alcohol consumption shortly after completing probation, raising concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of positive behavioral changes or ongoing support for sobriety.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedDC 1: Alcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedDC 5: Habitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- E2.A7.1.3.1appliedMC 1: the Alcohol-related Incidents Do Not Indicate a Pattern
- E2.A7.1.3.2rejectedMC 2: the Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent ProblemThe applicant resumed alcohol consumption shortly after completing probation.
- E2.A7.1.3.3rejectedMC 3: Positive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant provided virtually no evidence of changes in behavior.
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedMC 4: Successful Completion of Rehabilitation and Aftercare RequirementsThe applicant did not provide evidence of AA participation or a favorable prognosis.
Key rule quoted
“"No one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 14, 2006
- Answer filedMar 31, 2006
- Hearing held—Case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 31, 2006
Cite for
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Mitigating Conditions Applicable to Past Alcohol-related Incidents
- Evaluation of Evidence Regarding Rehabilitation and Sobriety in Security Clearance Cases