Summary
A 30-year-old project manager and former Army Staff Sergeant was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to significant unresolved debts totaling nearly $28,000. The Statement of Reasons detailed seven specific allegations, including a $4,991 credit card debt, a $2,378 computer purchase, an $18,995 auto loan, $182 in telephone debt, two cable service debts of $540 and $278, and another credit card debt of $592.
The applicant admitted to all allegations, which became delinquent between February and June 2008. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised. While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e) were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted history of financial irresponsibility, the lack of substantiated payment plans for the nearly $28,000 in debts, and the finding that his financial situation was not under control. The applicant also failed to provide documentation to support claims of good-faith efforts to resolve the debts, leading to the conclusion that security concerns were not mitigated.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations under Guideline F, indicating a history of financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant's debts, totaling almost $28,000, became delinquent between February and June 2008, with no substantiated payment plans in place.
- The applicant's financial situation was not under control, and he failed to provide documentation supporting his claims of good-faith efforts to resolve 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)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an Applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 2, 2009
- Answer filedMar 19, 2009signed and notarized
- Hearing heldMay 28, 2009
- Decision dateAug 17, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Importance of Establishing a Credible Plan to Resolve Debts for Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of the Whole Person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions