Summary
A 56-year-old military analyst, who had held a security clearance since 1983, was denied a renewed clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of delinquent debts and falsifying his security clearance application (SCA) by intentionally failing to disclose these debts.
Specific financial issues included a student loan of $16,706 referred for collection in December 2013, a moving company debt of $1,587 from December 2008, a credit card account charged off for $9,065 in November 2008, and a clothing store account charged off for $1,964 in April 2009. Additionally, a delinquent dental bill of $3,327 was placed for collection in June 2008, and a compact disc purchase of $31 was placed for collection in October 2007.
Despite the applicant resolving his debts, the judge found that the financial irresponsibility and the admitted falsification of the SCA raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. The denial was based on the applicant's admission to falsifying his application, the recent and numerous nature of his financial issues indicating a lack of self-control, and his failure to timely monitor and resolve debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to falsifying his security clearance application by failing to disclose delinquent debts.
- The applicant's financial issues were recent and numerous, indicating a lack of self-control and judgment.
- The applicant's failure to monitor his finances and resolve debts in a timely manner raised concerns about his reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's marital breakup and ex-wife's withdrawal of savings contributed to his financial issues.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant resolved all delinquent debts, indicating financial problems are under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant made efforts to resolve debts after receiving the SOR.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 5, 2015
- Answer filedJul 16, 2015
- Hearing heldApr 21, 2016
- Decision dateJul 29, 2016
Cite For
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Financial Irresponsibility and Its Impact on Security Clearance Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Conditions Related to Financial Issues and Personal Conduct