Summary
The applicant, a 29-year-old defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to a history of financial difficulties, including multiple delinquent debts. He successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating responsible financial behavior, including paying off debts, maintaining a positive budget, and obtaining financial counseling. The judge granted eligibility for a security clearance based on the applicant's current financial stability and responsible management of his obligations.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Student loan charge-off for $27,774 (1.a). Student loan charge-off for $2,349 (1.b). Student loan – same as 1.b (1.c). Phone service collection for $505 (1.d). Satellite TV service collection for $463 (1.e). Medical collection for $548 (1.f). Student loan collection for $8,918 (1.g). Medical collection for $98 (1.h). Medical collection for $271 (1.i). Student loan collection for $22,945 (1.j). Phone service collection for $1,050 (1.k). Student loan collection for $6,012 (1.l).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: Applicant resolved all delinquent debts and consolidated remaining student loans; He demonstrated responsible financial management by maintaining a positive budget and savings; The applicant received financial counseling and actively worked to improve his financial situation.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant resolved all delinquent debts and consolidated remaining student loans.
- He demonstrated responsible financial management by maintaining a positive budget and savings.
- The applicant received financial counseling and actively worked to improve his financial situation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Infrequently
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling and Indications of Resolution
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 28, 2015
- Answer filedSep 16, 2015
- Hearing heldMay 25, 2016
- Decision dateJul 18, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Demonstrating Responsible Financial Behavior to Address Security Concerns
- The Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility