Summary
A 31-year-old communications technician and former U.S. Navy service member was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from significant financial issues, including 19 delinquent debts totaling approximately $37,000. Specific allegations included a $13,743 car repossession deficiency and a debt for cell phone service incurred by her sister.
The judge identified several disqualifying conditions, noting the applicant's ongoing financial problems and a lack of proactive measures to resolve her debts. While several mitigating conditions were considered, they were ultimately insufficient to overcome the concerns raised.
The denial was based on the applicant's admission to the 19 delinquent debts and her failure to provide evidence of responsible conduct or a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors. These factors led to serious concerns regarding her reliability and trustworthiness, resulting in the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to 19 delinquent debts totaling about $37,000.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of responsible conduct regarding her debts.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve her debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One's Means
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's debts are ongoing and numerous.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some medical expenses were beyond her control, the applicant did not act responsibly.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling or Evidence of Problem ResolutionThe applicant produced no evidence of counseling and her financial situation is not under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant has done virtually nothing to resolve her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of DebtThe applicant did not contest the debts or provide evidence to support her disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 17, 2009
- Answer filedAug 12, 2009
- Hearing heldSep 24, 2009
- Decision dateOct 9, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Ongoing Financial Problems Indicating Lack of Reliability and Trustworthiness