Summary
A 44-year-old former U.S. Air Force technical sergeant was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved financial delinquencies totaling $47,751. The applicant attributed his financial issues to circumstances beyond his control, including a medical debt of $118 from a 2007 accident, which he believes should be paid by the motorist involved and has been trying to resolve since 2009. He also admitted a $1,300 department store debt, claiming he paid it in 2007 but provided no proof.
Additionally, the applicant denied two credit card debts of $21,954 and $10,698, stating he was unfamiliar with these accounts and that his wife was working with a credit reporting bureau regarding them, but had not contacted the creditors. Both remain unresolved. He acknowledged a $13,681 credit card debt, claiming he paid it off in May 2009, but again, no evidence of payment was submitted.
The judge found insufficient evidence of responsible management or mitigation efforts, leading to doubts about the applicant's reliability and judgment. Specifically, the applicant failed to provide evidence of responsible debt management, did not obtain financial counseling, and did not demonstrate that his financial problems were under control or that adequate steps were taken to address the government's concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of responsible management of debts as they accrued.
- The applicant did not obtain financial counseling or demonstrate that his financial problems were under control.
- The applicant did not take adequate steps to address the government's concerns regarding unresolved 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 problems are ongoing and not isolated.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not provide evidence of responsible management of debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not obtain credit counseling or show that financial problems are under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant acknowledged payment of two debts but did not provide evidence.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide documentation to support disputes of the debts.
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 5, 2009
- Answer filedJul 2, 2009Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateSep 30, 2009
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Management of Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Mitigation Efforts in Financial Considerations Cases
- Importance of Addressing Government Concerns Regarding Financial Delinquencies Promptly