Summary
A 46-year-old maintenance trainer for a defense contractor and retired U.S. Army sergeant first class was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited a past forgery conviction from his time on Army recruiting duty, for which he pled guilty, was fined, and sentenced to probation.
Additionally, the applicant had several delinquent financial accounts. These included a charged-off car loan for $16,169, a charged-off credit card debt for $5,709, and another charged-off account for $2,074. Other debts placed for collection included an account for $587, a loan account for $2,075, a medical account for $1,997, and a credit card account for $572.
The judge found that the applicant had successfully mitigated these concerns. He presented a viable plan to repay his delinquent debts, demonstrating responsible financial management. His past conduct was deemed unlikely to recur due to changed circumstances and his acknowledgment of previous mistakes. Furthermore, strong character references supported his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the granting of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a viable plan to repay delinquent debts, showing responsible financial management.
- The applicant's past conduct was deemed unlikely to recur due to changed circumstances and acknowledgment of previous mistakes.
- Strong character references supported the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor or Occurred Under Unique Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 17(d)appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Taken Positive Steps to Alleviate the Stressors
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 28, 2014
- Answer filedOct 28, 2014
- Hearing heldApr 16, 2015
- Decision dateJun 12, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Changed Circumstances
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Issues Based on Unique Situational Pressures
- Importance of Character References in Security Clearance Determinations