Summary
The applicant, a 23-year-old Aircraft Mechanic with an Associates Degree, faced issues under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant outstanding debts exceeding $24,000. Despite admitting to some debts, she failed to provide evidence of payments or a plan to resolve her financial issues. The judge concluded that her financial irresponsibility indicated poor judgment and unreliability, leading to a denial of her security clearance application.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: A debt owed to Sallie Mae for a student loan in the amount of $23,665.00 remains owing (1.a). A debt owed to BC Services for a medical account in the amount of $782.00 remains owing (1.b). A debt owed to GLA Collection in the amount of $43.00 remains owing (1.c). A debt owed to NCO Financial in the amount of $325.00 remains owing (1.d).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions 19(a), 19(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has significant outstanding debts totaling over $24,000, indicating financial irresponsibility; She failed to provide evidence of any payments made towards her debts or a plan to resolve them; The applicant's conduct demonstrated poor judgment and unreliability, which raised concerns about her ability to safeguard classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has significant outstanding debts totaling over $24,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- She failed to provide evidence of any payments made towards her debts or a plan to resolve them.
- The applicant's conduct demonstrated poor judgment and unreliability, which raised concerns about her ability to safeguard classified information.
Conditions Referenced
- 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 21, 2010
- Answer filedOct 22, 2010Applicant elected to have the case determined on a written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case determined on written record.
- Decision dateMar 14, 2011
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility as a Basis for Security Clearance Denial
- Lack of Evidence for Financial Rehabilitation
- Poor Judgment and Unreliability in Financial Matters