Summary
A 52-year-old engineer and retired Air Force Master Sergeant was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited ten delinquent debts, including a dental care debt with only one payment made in June 2007, several credit accounts under payment plans, and one credit card account that was paid. One debt was paid in June 2003, and one account was unknown. The applicant was also asked if he had been over 180 days delinquent on any debt in the last seven years, and if he was currently over 90 days delinquent on any debt.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, but mitigating conditions were applied. The applicant established payment plans for five delinquent debts and sought financial counseling, demonstrating a commitment to resolving his financial issues.
The decision to grant the clearance was based on the applicant's proactive efforts to manage his debts, including establishing payment plans and receiving financial counseling. His financial difficulties were attributed to circumstances beyond his control, specifically a bitter divorce.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant established payment plans for five delinquent debts, demonstrating a commitment to resolving his financial issues.
- He received financial counseling, indicating proactive steps to manage his debts.
- The applicant's financial problems were attributed to circumstances beyond his control, including a bitter divorce.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsInsufficient information to establish good faith in the resolution of delinquent debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)notedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 11, 2007
- Answer filedMay 9, 2007Notarized response to SOR.
- Hearing held—Case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 15, 2007
Cite For
- Application of Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F for Financial Issues
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances Affecting Financial Conduct
- Importance of Financial Counseling in Security Clearance Decisions