Summary
A 40-year-old scientific programmer and inactive Army reservist was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved financial delinquencies totaling $30,330. The applicant acknowledged these debts and attributed them to personal circumstances but failed to provide evidence of efforts to resolve them.
The Statement of Reasons detailed several specific debts. These included a federal tax lien from 2009 for 2001 taxes totaling $11,643, and a car loan charged off in 2002 for $16,945. Other debts included $207 owed to a communications company, a $106 medical bill, $186 owed to a credit collection company, $291 in medical debt, and $952 owed to a creditor for a debt delinquent since 2002.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to address these long-standing financial issues, which have persisted since 2001. The applicant did not submit documentation of debt repayment or dispute any debts, leading to concerns about his reliability and judgment. Disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised, while mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(e) were applied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved financial delinquencies totaling $30,330, which he admitted to but did not take steps to address.
- He failed to provide evidence of good judgment or reliability, as he did not submit documentation of debt repayment or dispute any debts.
- The applicant's financial issues have persisted since 2001, raising concerns about his current reliability and trustworthiness.
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 Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant attributed his financial problems to circumstances beyond his control but did not provide evidence of responsible actions taken.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant did not provide evidence of any repayment efforts or plans.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not present evidence of credit counseling or that his financial issues are under control.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide evidence to substantiate any disputes regarding the debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 7, 2009
- Answer filedSep 21, 2009Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 17, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Delinquencies Under Guideline F
- Lack of Evidence Demonstrating Good Judgment or Reliability in Financial Matters
- Application of the Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Financial Considerations