Summary
A 24-year-old defense contractor employee was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) raised issues regarding financial delinquencies and two incorrect answers on his security clearance application, citing Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
The applicant admitted to the financial difficulties and the incorrect answers on his application but denied any intentional falsification. The decision found his testimony regarding the alleged falsification credible, concluding there was no intent to deceive.
Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e) were applied. The applicant demonstrated credible efforts to resolve his financial issues, including receiving counseling and making payments on debts. His current financial situation showed improvement, supported by a stable income and his wife's assistance, leading to the favorable outcome.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant admitted to financial difficulties but demonstrated credible efforts to address them through counseling and repayment plans.
- The applicant's testimony regarding the alleged falsification was found credible, indicating no intent to deceive.
- The applicant's current financial situation showed improvement, with a stable income and support from his wife.
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 so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past Due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 5, 2008
- Answer filedMar 14, 2008
- Hearing heldMay 7, 2008continued on June 19, 2008
- Decision dateJul 14, 2008
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions for Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Credibility of Applicant's Testimony Regarding Intent in Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Whole Person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility