Summary
A 30-year-old tactics instructor and former Marine was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved financial issues. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed several delinquent debts, including a collection account for $8,403, a charged-off bank debt of $511 (settled for $303 in March 2013), another charged-off bank debt of $4,163 from attorney fees originating in May 2012, and an insurance collection account for $120, which the applicant paid in full on October 4, 2016.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, specifically concerning a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While some mitigating conditions were considered, the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient progress in resolving the outstanding debts.
The denial was based on the applicant's insufficient progress in resolving the alleged debts, an increase in child support obligations indicating a lack of financial responsibility, and a failure to provide adequate documentation of efforts to address the delinquent accounts. Ultimately, the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence that the financial issues were under control.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not make sufficient progress in resolving the debts alleged in the SOR.
- The applicant's child support debt increased, indicating a lack of financial responsibility.
- Insufficient documentation was provided to demonstrate efforts to address the delinquent debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues are ongoing and have not been resolved.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not demonstrate responsible actions under the circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemNo evidence of financial counseling was provided.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of good-faith efforts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide documented proof to substantiate any disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability 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 information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2016
- Answer filedJul 28, 2016Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was conducted.
- Decision dateJan 18, 2017
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Rejection of Mitigating Conditions Due to Lack of Documentation
- Ongoing Financial Issues Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility