Summary
The applicant, a 32-year-old former Air Force member and current cyber systems engineer, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to unresolved financial issues totaling approximately $43,500. Despite admitting to multiple delinquent debts, the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient actions to mitigate these financial concerns, which raised significant trustworthiness issues.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Delinquent debt of $11,706 related to a private military housing rental (1.a). Delinquent debt of $4,197 related to another private military rental unit (1.b). Delinquent consumer debt of $622 (1.c). Delinquent consumer debt of $192 (1.d). Delinquent consumer debt of $175 (1.e). Delinquent debt of $16,160 for a repossessed car (1.f). Delinquent debt of $10,670 for a judgment filed against Applicant (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a). The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $43,500; The applicant failed to take substantial actions to resolve the debts; The judge found that the applicant's financial issues raised significant trustworthiness concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $43,500.
- The applicant failed to take substantial actions to resolve the debts.
- The judge found that the applicant's financial issues raised significant trustworthiness concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe debt related to SOR ¶ 1.a was mitigated due to disputed legitimacy.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 26, 2025
- Answer filedApr 8, 2025
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 22, 2025
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Financial Issues on Trustworthiness
- Disputed Legitimacy of Debts as a Mitigating Factor