Summary
A 50-year-old retired Army officer was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant had numerous unresolved debts totaling approximately $163,926, primarily originating from his divorce.
Specific allegations included a past-due real estate mortgage loan of $151,496, with a balance of $265,067, and a charged-off joint credit card account for $4,475. Other debts involved satellite television services for $1,180 and about $293, a telecommunication debt of $325, and an unpaid water bill for $57. Additionally, there were collection accounts for $2,417, $81, and a charged-off credit card for $154, along with $3,000 in unpaid property taxes.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate responsible conduct in addressing his financial obligations. He did not provide evidence of a plan to resolve his debts or significant actions taken to implement such a plan.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has numerous unresolved debts totaling approximately $163,926.
- He failed to provide evidence of responsible conduct in addressing his financial obligations.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a plan to resolve his debts or take significant actions to implement such a plan.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)appliedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's debts are recent, unresolved, and numerous.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the marital breakup was beyond his control, he did not provide evidence of responsible conduct.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Financial CounselingThe applicant submitted no evidence of counseling or a plan to resolve debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedInitiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant took no actions to resolve his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide evidence of disputes regarding any debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 29, 2016
- Answer filedSep 17, 2016Requested decision on the written record without a hearing.
- Hearing heldOct 18, 2017Record reopened to include additional documents.
- Decision dateOct 24, 2017
Cite For
- Evaluation of Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating a Plan to Resolve Financial Issues
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations.