Summary
A 38-year-old military jet aircraft mechanic was granted a security clearance despite a history of financial issues under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant admitted to several delinquent accounts, including three fully acknowledged and four partially acknowledged. These included a $4,546 collection account from a co-signed apartment lease for his first wife, a $2,864 charged-off personal loan from a military-focused lender, and a $101 electric utility collection account, which he paid in full in January 2018.
Additional debts included a $1,771 apartment lease collection account, satisfied by garnishment in February 2018, and a $246 telecommunications account, settled for approximately $197 in August 2017. The applicant also reported making regular payments for the last two years, including $586 for child support and an additional $136 for arrears.
The judge determined that the applicant's financial problems were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as income loss and inconsistent employment. However, he demonstrated a good faith effort to resolve his debts through consistent payments and financial counseling. With stable current employment providing a reliable income, the applicant was found eligible for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good faith effort to resolve his financial issues through regular payments and financial counseling.
- The judge found that the applicant's financial problems were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as loss of income and inconsistent employment.
- The applicant's current employment provided a stable income, allowing him to meet his financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe judge noted that while the applicant was making efforts, the payments on some debts were too recent to conclude adherence to a good-faith effort.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance case is not a debt-collection procedure. It is a procedure designed to evaluate an applicant’s judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2018
- Answer filedJul 15, 2018
- Hearing heldDec 4, 2018
- Decision dateAug 20, 2019
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Good Faith Efforts in Resolving Debts
- Impact of Circumstances Beyond Control on Financial Obligations