Summary
A 55-year-old machinist, employed by a federal contractor since 2004, was denied a security clearance primarily due to unresolved financial issues and ongoing alcohol consumption. The denial was based on Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), despite some mitigating factors under Guideline E (Personal Conduct).
The applicant faced allegations of approximately $28,000 in delinquent debts and judgments. He had not taken action to repay or resolve these debts, nor had he contacted creditors or made any payments. Despite claiming to be saving money, he had not paid even the smallest debts and had not made a good-faith effort to resolve his financial obligations.
Additionally, the applicant was diagnosed as alcohol dependent by a medical professional and advised to abstain from alcohol. He had a history of habitual or binge consumption leading to impaired judgment and continued to consume alcohol after his diagnosis and completion of an alcohol rehabilitation program. The combination of unaddressed financial concerns and persistent alcohol use led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has approximately $28,000 in delinquent debts and has not taken action to resolve them.
- The applicant continues to consume alcohol despite being diagnosed as alcohol dependent and advised to abstain.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A7.1.2.3appliedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A7.1.2.6appliedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program
- E2.A6.1.3.1rejectedThe Behavior Was Not Recent
- E2.A6.1.3.2rejectedIt Was an Isolated Incident
- E2.A6.1.3.3rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- E2.A6.1.3.4rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- 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.A7.1.3.4rejectedFollowing Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence, the Individual Has Successfully Completed Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation Along with Aftercare Requirements
Key Rule Quoted
“No one has a right to a security clearance and "the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 31, 2006
- Answer filedSep 12, 2006
- Hearing heldDec 11, 2006
- Decision dateDec 29, 2006
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Failure to Mitigate Alcohol Consumption Issues Under Guideline G
- Successful Mitigation of Personal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline E Despite Other Issues