Summary
This case involved a 50-year-old deputy program manager for a defense contractor and military veteran whose security clearance was reviewed under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). Concerns arose from past financial delinquencies, specifically a mortgage account with an approximate outstanding amount of $33,329 on a total loan balance of $268,143, and an adverse judgment for approximately $2,995. Additionally, a reprimand for misconduct during military service was noted.
The judge determined that the applicant had successfully mitigated these concerns. The applicant demonstrated a good faith effort to resolve financial issues by satisfying one of the two delinquent debts. It was also found that the financial problems stemmed largely from poor communication with the lender rather than a lack of responsibility.
Furthermore, the applicant's strong military service record and professional performance were considered significant indicators of reliability. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant satisfied one of the two delinquent debts, demonstrating a good faith effort to resolve financial issues.
- The applicant's financial problems were largely due to poor communication with the lender, not a lack of responsibility.
- The applicant's military service record and professional performance were strong indicators of reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 16(d)raisedCredible Adverse Information That Is Not Explicitly Covered Under Any Other Guideline
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor, or so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Is so Infrequent
- AG ¶ 17(d)appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Obtained Counseling to Change the Behavior
Key Rule Quoted
“The administrative judge’s overarching adjudicative goal is a fair, impartial, and commonsense decision.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 17, 2015
- Answer filedDec 2, 2015
- Hearing heldMay 18, 2016
- Decision dateJun 2, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F Due to Good Faith Efforts
- Application of Personal Conduct Mitigating Conditions Despite Past Reprimands
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Decisions.