Summary
A 47-year-old civilian mariner was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from a history of delinquent debts and a misrepresentation regarding his military discharge characterization.
The applicant faced allegations of numerous outstanding financial obligations, including child support arrears totaling $18,751 and $6,546, and multiple state tax liens from 2006 and 2007 for amounts such as $1,799, $1,798, and $1,637. A federal tax lien from 2009 for $14,657 was also cited. Other debts included collection accounts for satellite television ($750), telephone service ($709), medical bills ($746, $365, $354), and a tire store debt with a balance of $958. Additionally, the applicant failed to disclose his general military discharge, instead stating he received an honorable discharge on his security clearance application.
The judge found that the applicant's financial irresponsibility, coupled with a lack of proactive measures to resolve his debts, raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. His failure to provide truthful information about his military discharge further questioned his honesty. Despite some mitigating conditions being considered, the applicant did not demonstrate a coherent plan to address his financial issues or take significant actions to resolve his debts, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had numerous delinquent debts, including child support arrears and tax liens, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant's failure to provide truthful information regarding his military discharge raised questions about his honesty and reliability.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a coherent plan to resolve his financial issues or take significant actions to address his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort regarding child support payments.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some conditions were beyond his control, the applicant did not act responsibly regarding most debts.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's recent and numerous debts indicated a pattern of financial irresponsibility.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 2, 2016
- Answer filedJul 20, 2016
- Hearing heldDec 5, 2016
- Decision dateFeb 17, 2017
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline F
- Dishonesty in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- The Necessity of Demonstrating a Coherent Plan to Resolve Financial Issues for Mitigation Under Guideline F.