Summary
The applicant, a 29-year-old tools and parts attendant and former U.S. Navy service member, faced security clearance denial under Guidelines F (Financial Considerations) and H (Drug Involvement) due to numerous delinquent debts and past marijuana use. The judge found that while the applicant had mitigated concerns related to drug use, she failed to demonstrate responsible management of her financial obligations, leading to a denial of her security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: medical debts for $170, $120, and $120 (1.a). medical debts for $170, $120, and $120 (1.b). medical debts for $170, $120, and $120 (1.c). judgment for deficiency of $3,458 after vehicle repossession (1.d). collection account for $8,439 (1.e). cellphone bill for $198, referred for collection (1.f). The SOR alleges that Applicant used marijuana, with varying frequency, from about April 2004 to April 2013 (2.a). The SOR alleges that her marijuana use occurred after she was granted a security clearance (2.b).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 25(a), AG ¶ 25(c), AG ¶ 25(g). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 26(a). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has numerous delinquent debts totaling about $12,500, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations; The applicant has not made consistent efforts to resolve her debts, particularly those related to vehicle repossession and a cellphone bill; The applicant's financial situation is not under control, and she has not sought financial counseling.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has numerous delinquent debts totaling about $12,500, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations.
- The applicant has not made consistent efforts to resolve her debts, particularly those related to vehicle repossession and a cellphone bill.
- The applicant's financial situation is not under control, and she has not sought financial counseling.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedIllegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant has made payments on some medical debts.
- AG ¶ 26(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's marijuana use was infrequent and occurred over three years ago.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 26, 2016
- Answer filedMar 8, 2016
- Hearing heldJun 8, 2016
- Decision dateSep 19, 2016
Cite For
- Denial Based on Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Conditions for Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations