Summary
A 47-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $30,184, which included a charged-off auto loan of about $11,672, a credit card debt placed for collection of about $6,145, and several other charged-off credit card and general debts ranging from approximately $440 to $5,042. An additional delinquent debt to an electronics store was past due in the approximate amount of $1,625.
Disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility and a history of not meeting financial obligations were raised. While mitigating conditions such as the debts not being recent or the result of conditions largely beyond the applicant's control were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The administrative judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial problems were being resolved or were unlikely to recur. Furthermore, the applicant's recent involvement in a domestic altercation raised additional questions about his judgment and reliability. Ultimately, the judge concluded that the applicant did not demonstrate the necessary reliability and trustworthiness for a security clearance, leading to the denial of his application.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $30,184, indicating poor financial management.
- The applicant's recent involvement in a domestic altercation raised questions about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial problems were being resolved or were unlikely to recur.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(d)raisedCredible Adverse Information
- AG ¶ 16(1)raisedUntrustworthy or Unreliable Behavior
- AG ¶ 16(2)raisedDisruptive or Violent Behavior
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's recent conduct does not support this condition.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Individual's ControlThe applicant did not demonstrate that his financial issues were largely beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceiving Financial CounselingThe applicant has not shown evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant has not initiated a good-faith effort to resolve his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of DebtThe applicant did not provide evidence of disputing the legitimacy of his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 2, 2019
- Answer filedJul 3, 2019
- Hearing heldDec 4, 2019
- Decision dateFeb 10, 2020
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions