Summary
A 46-year-old retired Navy enlisted man was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant admitted to significant financial issues, including over $65,000 in delinquent debts, and personal conduct concerns related to bouncing approximately 100 checks.
Specifically, the applicant admitted to bouncing checks totaling $3,861.94 at a military exchange in 2003 and 2004, which the government appears to have repaid from his retirement pay. While he initially denied being barred from a military installation for this conduct, he later recalled an incident where his identification card was confiscated, and he was escorted off base.
Regarding financial matters, the applicant had over $47,000 in past due debts that remained unpaid, with no current plans for resolution. These included debts of $12,783, $76, $8,519, $3,090, $97, $11,630, and $11,824. While some debts, such as $1,664, $568, and $4,318, were shown to be paid, the outstanding obligations and lack of a clear repayment plan led to the denial. The decision cited his inability to manage financial obligations and a lack of judgment and responsibility demonstrated by the bounced checks.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has over $47,000 in past due debts, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations.
- The applicant's conduct of bouncing checks demonstrates a lack of judgment and responsibility.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a plan to resolve his financial issues or demonstrate consistent progress.
Conditions referenced
- F.19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16.cappliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Areas
- E.16.dappliedCredible Adverse Information That Is Not Explicitly Covered Under Any Other Guideline
- E.16.eappliedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation
- F.20.arejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues are ongoing and significant.
- F.20.brejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile unemployment contributed, the applicant's conduct in bouncing checks was not responsible.
- F.20.crejectedClear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under ControlThe applicant remains significantly in debt with no clear plan for resolution.
- F.20.drejectedGood-faith Effort to Pay Off CreditorsLimited evidence of voluntary payments and reliance on involuntary deductions.
- E.17.crejectedThe Offense Is so Minor or Infrequent That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's conduct was extensive and indicative of a pattern.
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 issuedOct 29, 2009
- Answer filedNov 11, 2009
- Hearing heldMar 19, 2010
- Decision dateDec 30, 2010
Cite for
- Financial Overextension as a Disqualifying Condition Under Guideline F
- Lack of Personal Conduct Responsibility Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- The Importance of Demonstrating a Clear Plan for Debt Resolution in Security Clearance Cases.