Summary
A 24-year-old defense contractor and former Marine was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a problematic financial history, including two delinquent debts totaling $12,479. While he admitted to one debt, evidence supported both, with one being a charge-off with no balance due.
Beyond financial issues, the applicant's personal conduct raised significant concerns. During his background interview, he intentionally refused to cooperate and provide details of his disciplinary record from his time in the Marine Corps. This lack of candor was compounded by a documented pattern of misconduct that led to his discharge from the Marine Corps.
His military record included nonjudicial punishments for operating an unregistered vehicle without a valid driver’s license in 2013, disobeying an order and fraternization in 2014, and driving under the influence while operating a government vehicle, also in 2014. The judge found that the applicant failed to mitigate the security concerns stemming from his delinquent debts and his lack of candor regarding his disciplinary history, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a problematic financial history with two delinquent debts totaling $12,479, which he admitted to one and denied the other, but evidence supported both debts.
- Applicant intentionally refused to cooperate and provide details of his disciplinary record during the background interview, raising concerns under personal conduct guidelines.
- The applicant's pattern of misconduct in the Marine Corps included multiple instances of noncompliance with military regulations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 15(a)appliedRefusal to Cooperate with Security Processing
- AG ¶ 15(b)appliedFailure to Provide Full, Frank, and Truthful Answers
- AG ¶ 16(d)(3)appliedPattern of Dishonesty or Rule Violations
Key Rule Quoted
“the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 8, 2018
- Answer filedJan 12, 2018Requested decision based on written record without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateJul 2, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Impact of Non-cooperation During Background Investigations on Security Clearance Eligibility