Summary
A 55-year-old retired Air Force Master Sergeant, employed by a Department of Defense contractor, was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from 13 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $37,516, which included various credit card debts, a car repair bill, and several utility and insurance accounts. Specific allegations detailed a $1,500 credit card account, a $7,519 credit card account charged off in January 2001, and a $19,521 credit card account placed for collection in December 2002, among others.
Disqualifying conditions related to a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts were raised. While some debts were resolved, the applicant's overall financial irresponsibility and insufficient action to address the remaining delinquent accounts were noted.
Despite the application of mitigating conditions, the applicant failed to meet the burden of proof to mitigate security concerns. The decision concluded that the financial problems appeared to result from neglect rather than an inability to pay, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of financial irresponsibility with 13 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $37,516.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient action taken to resolve his delinquent debts, which remain largely unresolved.
- The applicant's financial problems appear to arise from neglect rather than an inability to pay.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurApplicant continues to have financial problems.
- FC MC 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant's divorce is not a factor in his recent financial problems.
- FC MC 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemNo evidence of financial counseling was provided.
- FC MC 20(d)appliedInitiated Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsSome debts were paid, but promises to pay future debts do not mitigate concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 13, 2008
- Answer filedJul 9, 2008
- Hearing heldAug 26, 2008
- Decision dateSep 25, 2008
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline F
- The Importance of Demonstrating Action Taken to Resolve Financial Issues
- The Impact of Neglect Versus Inability to Pay on Security Clearance Decisions