Summary
A 35-year-old aircraft mechanic was denied a U.S. DOHA security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The denial stemmed from 23 acknowledged delinquent debts, totaling approximately $26,250. The applicant admitted responsibility for these debts, which raised disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c).
Despite the application of mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d), the applicant failed to meet the burden of proof. Key factors in the denial included his insufficient income, with a net monthly remainder of only about $35, which demonstrated an inability to address his financial obligations.
Furthermore, there was no evidence presented that the applicant had sought financial counseling or made concrete efforts to resolve his outstanding debts. Consequently, the DOHA concluded that the applicant did not adequately mitigate the financial concerns, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted responsibility for 23 delinquent debts totaling approximately $26,250.
- Applicant has insufficient income to address his debts, with a net monthly remainder of about $35.
- There is no evidence that Applicant has received financial counseling or made efforts to resolve his 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)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control and the Individual Acted Responsibly Under the Circumstances
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and 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
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate burden of persuasion is on the applicant seeking a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 15, 2011
- Answer filedApr 27, 2011Applicant withdrew request for hearing.
- Hearing held—Applicant requested an administrative determination.
- Decision dateDec 6, 2011
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Income as a Basis for Security Clearance Denial
- Lack of Evidence for Mitigating Financial Conditions