Summary
A 45-year-old defense contractor and former U.S. Marine sought to retain his security clearance despite financial concerns under Guideline F. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleged ten debts totaling approximately $73,828, including multiple charged-off credit cards, a consolidation loan, and collection accounts for legal fees, a cable bill, and medical/dental expenses.
The applicant demonstrated significant efforts to address these financial issues. He enrolled five of the charged-off debts, including a $21,671 consolidation loan and an $18,580 credit card, in a debt consolidation program (DCP) and is actively repaying them. Additionally, he provided evidence of resolving five other debts: a $8,079 collection account for divorce-related legal fees, a $2,140 charged-off credit card, a $959 cable bill, an $80 medical co-pay, and a $382 dental bill for his former spouse.
The administrative judge granted the security clearance, citing the applicant's proactive approach to resolving his debts through the DCP and financial counseling. The decision highlighted his successful resolution of five of the ten SOR debts and acknowledged his long military service and current employment as a defense contractor as positive factors.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a proactive approach to resolving his debts through a debt consolidation program and financial counseling.
- He has paid or resolved five of his ten SOR debts, showing significant progress in financial responsibility.
- The applicant's long service in the military and current employment as a defense contractor contributed positively to his case.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceiving Financial Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 7, 2021
- Answer filedJun 4, 2021
- Hearing heldSep 29, 2021
- Decision dateFeb 16, 2022
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Plan for Debt Resolution
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions