Summary
A 29-year-old Army National Guard member was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F, Financial Considerations. The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial delinquencies totaling over $20,000. These included two judgments for unpaid leases, one for $1,935 and another for $7,081. Additional debts comprised a credit card in collection for $524, a charged-off credit card debt of $460, a $751 debt to an online university, and an $8,576 debt from a repossessed automobile. A credit card debt of $764 was also 120 days past due.
Disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised. However, the applicant successfully demonstrated mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), and AG ¶ 20(d).
The clearance was granted because the applicant established a significant track record of debt resolution, including paying off several debts and initiating payment plans for others. His financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his control, such as losing roommates and employment following military service. Furthermore, the applicant demonstrated maturity and responsibility in managing his finances, supported by positive testimony from his supervisor.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant established a meaningful track record of debt payment by paying off several debts and initiating payment plans for others.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as losing roommates and employment after military service.
- The applicant demonstrated maturity and responsibility in managing his finances, as evidenced by positive testimony from his supervisor.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe 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)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 26, 2013
- Answer filedJan 10, 2014
- Hearing heldMar 11, 2014
- Decision dateMar 25, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility