Summary
A 35-year-old telecommunications support worker was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a history of personal conduct issues, including multiple verbal altercations and poor judgment. Specific incidents included a termination in March 2014 for a verbal confrontation, a resignation in July 2013 to avoid investigation for improper work procedures, and a termination in April 2011 for verbally assaulting another employee. Earlier incidents included a transfer and suspension in February 2008 for a verbal altercation, a verbal warning in April 2009 for tardiness, and a resignation in October 2003 following a disagreement with a supervisor. Additionally, in May 2001, the applicant received non-judicial punishment, a reduction in rank, and lost pay for disrespect to a noncommissioned officer.
Financial concerns included two IRS tax liens for $6,164 (2008) and $34,450 (2007), and a state tax debt for $8,921 (2007 and 2008). Other debts in collection or past due included $814 for telephone service, $425 for a mail order account, $339 for a department store account, and an $11,080 loan. A mortgage was also past due by $12,845 on a balance of $159,345.
While the applicant demonstrated efforts to resolve some financial debts, these issues were not fully resolved prior to the hearing. The applicant did not mitigate the personal conduct concerns due to the consistent pattern of misconduct and poor judgment. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not mitigate personal conduct security concerns due to a history of misconduct and poor judgment.
- The applicant's financial issues were not fully resolved prior to the hearing, raising questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A1appliedPersonal ConductThe applicant's history of personal conduct issues raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- F3.AraisedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant had a history of delinquent debts and financial irresponsibility.
- F2.CappliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues.
- E2.CrejectedPersonal ConductThe applicant's past conduct was not deemed minor or infrequent enough to mitigate concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Personal conduct is always a security concern because it asks whether the person’s past conduct justifies confidence that the person can be trusted to properly safeguard classified or sensitive information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 23, 2016
- Answer filedJun 29, 2016
- Hearing heldJan 24, 2017Applicant was stationed overseas.
- Decision dateMar 21, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Personal Conduct Issues
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating a Track Record of Responsible Behavior in Personal Conduct and Financial Matters.