Summary
A 57-year-old defense contractor and retired Air Force Master Sergeant was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had approximately $79,000 in delinquent debts, which raised disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility.
However, the decision to grant the clearance was based on several mitigating factors. The applicant's financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his control, specifically the impact of Hurricane Katrina and his wife's health issues. He demonstrated a good-faith effort to address these debts by seeking financial counseling, developing a budget, and consistently making payments.
Furthermore, the applicant's extensive history of responsible behavior and dedicated military service supported his overall reliability and trustworthiness. These mitigating conditions ultimately led to the determination that the security risks were sufficiently ameliorated, and the clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily caused by circumstances beyond his control, including Hurricane Katrina and his wife's health issues.
- He demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors and resolve his debts through financial counseling and a structured payment plan.
- The applicant's long history of responsible behavior and service in the military supported his 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(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)appliedThe 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)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 23, 2009
- Answer filedAug 26, 2009
- Hearing heldOct 30, 2009
- Decision dateDec 18, 2009Record left open until this date for additional information.
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues
- Whole Person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Eligibility