Summary
The applicant, a 54-year-old former Air Force member and current employee of a Department of Defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to financial issues stemming from job loss and medical problems. Despite having significant debts, the applicant demonstrated responsible financial behavior and a commitment to resolving his debts, leading to a favorable decision for security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Cell phone $ 219.00 Paid (1.a). Bank debt $12,518.00 Paid (1.b). Credit card $ 3,558.00 Paid (1.c). Education loan $12,330.00 Current, paying (1.d). Education loan $ 7,441.00 Current, paying (1.e). Bank debt $ 1,530.00 Unpaid, debt denied (1.f). Credit $ 488.00 Paid (1.g). Bank debt $10,534.00 Paid; same as 1.b (1.h). Business account $ 8,427.00 Paid (1.i). Business account $ 7,628.00 Paid (1.j). Credit union $ 4,543.00 Unpaid; debt denied (1.k). Cable $ 305.00 Paid (1.l). Credit account $ 5,741.00 Unpaid; debt denied (1.n).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant resolved or is paying 15 out of 18 debts listed in the SOR; The applicant acted responsibly under circumstances largely beyond his control, including job loss and medical issues; The applicant's financial situation improved significantly after returning to work, allowing him to manage his debts.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant resolved or is paying 15 out of 18 debts listed in the SOR.
- The applicant acted responsibly under circumstances largely beyond his control, including job loss and medical issues.
- The applicant's financial situation improved significantly after returning to work, allowing him to manage his debts.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 21, 2009
- Answer filedMay 26, 2009
- Hearing heldDec 8, 2009via video teleconference
- Decision dateFeb 8, 2010
Cite for
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Responsible Financial Behavior Leading to Resolution of Debts
- Whole Person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility