Summary
A 27-year-old force protection officer's security clearance, initially contested under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), was ultimately granted. The applicant faced allegations concerning 12 delinquent debts, totaling approximately $26,000. These debts included two utility bills, a bank credit card, three medical bills, two credit card accounts, a car repossession, an education loan, and two other charged-off accounts.
Disqualifying conditions F.1.a and F.1.b were raised due to the applicant's history of not meeting financial obligations and having significant overdue debts. However, the judge applied mitigating conditions F.20(b) and F.20(d), finding sufficient evidence to resolve the security concerns.
The decision to grant the clearance was based on several factors: the applicant had paid or settled 8 of the 12 delinquent debts, significantly reducing his total indebtedness. He also demonstrated the ability to resolve the remaining debts, totaling about $2,200, in the near future due to his high disposable income. Furthermore, the applicant's financial difficulties were largely attributed to periods of unemployment, which were deemed beyond his control.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant paid or settled 8 of the 12 delinquent debts, reducing total indebtedness significantly.
- Applicant demonstrated the ability to resolve the remaining debts in the near future due to high disposable income.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to periods of unemployment, which were beyond his control.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedFinancial Considerations
- F.1.braisedFinancial Considerations
- F.20(b)appliedConditions Beyond ControlThe conditions that resulted in the financial problems were largely beyond the person's control due to unemployment.
- F.20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsApplicant initiated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors by settling multiple debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The overall concern under Guideline F is that failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 17, 2009
- Answer filedMar 1, 2009Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateNov 30, 2009
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Unemployment on Financial Responsibility