Summary
The applicant, a 28-year-old married man with three children, faced security concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $61,000 in delinquent debt and failure to disclose this information on his security clearance application. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues predated his military service and that he intentionally omitted relevant financial information, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant’s omission of relevant financial information from his security clearance application raises the issue of whether AG ¶ 16(a), “deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant facts from any personnel security questionnaire, personal history statement, or similar form used to conduct investigations, determine employment qualifications, award benefits or status, determine security clearance eligibility or trustworthiness, or award fiduciary responsibilities,” applies (2.a). Judgment against Applicant for approximately $3,000 (1.a). Judgment against Applicant for approximately $3,000 (1.b). Judgment against Applicant for approximately $3,000 (1.c). Judgment against Applicant for approximately $3,000 (1.d). Judgment against Applicant for approximately $6,000 (1.e). Deficiency from voluntarily surrendered vehicle totaling approximately $9,000 (1.o). Deficiency from voluntarily surrendered vehicle totaling approximately $9,000 (1.p).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.19.a, F.19.c, E.16.a. The decision turned on the following: The applicant failed to mitigate financial considerations due to significant delinquent debt totaling approximately $61,000; The applicant intentionally omitted relevant financial information from his security clearance application, raising concerns about his candor and reliability.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to mitigate financial considerations due to significant delinquent debt totaling approximately $61,000.
- The applicant intentionally omitted relevant financial information from his security clearance application, raising concerns about his candor and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16.araisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
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 issuedJun 15, 2011
- Answer filedAug 30, 2011
- Hearing heldNov 17, 2011
- Decision dateJan 13, 2012
Cite For
- Failure to Disclose Financial Delinquencies on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Significant Delinquent Debt as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline F
- The Importance of Candor and Honesty in the Security Clearance Process