Summary
A 33-year-old network engineer and former Navy service member was denied a security clearance under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct) and F (Financial Considerations). The applicant admitted to multiple debts totaling $43,857, which included a $19,861 judgment owed to a credit union, an additional $23,238 owed to the same credit union, and several smaller debts for medical, collection, utility, education, and telecommunications services.
Disqualifying conditions under Guideline F were raised, specifically regarding a history of not meeting financial obligations and an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts. While some mitigating conditions were applied, the applicant failed to express an intention to resolve the $19,861 judgment and did not provide proof of payment for two smaller debts.
Ultimately, the judge found that insufficient documentation was provided to demonstrate progress in resolving the financial problems. Although some personal conduct issues were mitigated, the financial considerations were not, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not express intention to resolve a $19,861 judgment.
- He failed to provide proof of payment for two small debts.
- Insufficient documentation was provided to demonstrate progress in resolving financial problems.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.brejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not describe extraordinary circumstances affecting his finances.
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not receive financial counseling.
- F.2.drejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of good-faith efforts to resolve debts.
- F.2.erejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide evidence of disputes regarding debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 19, 2013
- Answer filedJul 8, 2013Applicant waived his right to a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held.
- Decision dateMar 10, 2014
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Documentation to Mitigate Financial Concerns