Summary
A 47-year-old Flight Test Instrumental Technician, with a high school diploma and some college education, was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline K (Handling Protected Information). The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial issues, including a $4,812 debt from a vehicle repossession in July 2004, an outstanding delinquent credit card debt of $1,164, and another for $1,666 that was in the process of being paid. Additionally, two delinquent bills, one for $167 and another for $187, remained outstanding. The applicant also denied a $228 debt, stating he did not recognize it.
Disqualifying conditions 19(a), 19(c), and 40(e) were raised. However, the judge applied mitigating conditions 20(b), 20(d), and 41(a). The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial debts, including addressing the vehicle repossession and reducing credit card debt.
Furthermore, the judge found the applicant's explanation for accessing inappropriate websites credible, concluding he did not knowingly violate company policy. The applicant's current supervisor also provided a positive assessment of his trustworthiness and reliability. Based on these factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve his financial debts, including paying off a vehicle repossession and reducing credit card debt.
- The judge found the applicant's explanation for accessing inappropriate websites credible, suggesting he did not knowingly violate company policy.
- The applicant's current supervisor attested to his trustworthiness and reliability in his present employment.
Conditions Referenced
- 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- 40(e)raisedUnauthorized Use of a Government or Other Information Technology System
- 20(b)appliedThe Condition That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- 41(a)appliedSo Much Time Has Elapsed Since the Behavior Happened, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person’s life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 19, 2009
- Answer filedJan 15, 2010
- Hearing heldMay 24, 2010
- Decision dateAug 30, 2010
Cite For
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Credibility of Applicant's Explanations for Past Misconduct Under Guideline M
- Consideration of Unusual Circumstances Surrounding Prior Conduct in Security Clearance Determinations