Summary
A 65-year-old systems engineer, with a history of holding a security clearance, was denied a new clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from approximately $65,000 in delinquent debts, primarily a $62,567 child support obligation. Other debts included a car payment of $439, which was current at the time of the decision.
Disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility and an unwillingness to meet financial obligations were raised. While several mitigating conditions were considered, they were ultimately insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's nine delinquent debts, including the substantial child support obligation, and his refusal to pay income taxes and court-ordered child support. The decision highlighted that the applicant's financial difficulties were a result of his own choices, including a deliberate decision not to pay certain debts, raising concerns about his reliability and judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has nine delinquent debts totaling about $65,000, including a $62,567 child support obligation.
- The applicant's refusal to pay income taxes and child support raises serious concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- The applicant's financial issues stem from his own decisions, including a deliberate choice not to pay certain debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues are ongoing and reflect poor judgment.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial decisions were voluntary and not solely due to external circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThere is no evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant only paid some debts after realizing the risk to his security clearance.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe court orders for child support are valid and binding.
- AG ¶ 20(f)notedAffluence Resulted From a Legal Source of Income
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 issuedJun 30, 2008
- Answer filedSep 24, 2008
- Hearing heldJan 28, 2009
- Decision dateApr 16, 2009
Cite For
- Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Ongoing Financial Obligations on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating Good Judgment in Financial Matters