Summary
The applicant, a 37-year-old field engineer and veteran, sought to retain his security clearance under Guideline F due to a history of financial difficulties. He successfully demonstrated that his financial issues were primarily linked to his overseas military deployments and that he had taken significant steps to resolve his debts, leading to a favorable decision.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: back taxes owed to the IRS for tax year 2011 in the amount of $21,192 (1.a). back taxes owed to the IRS for tax year 2012 in the amount of $14,498 (1.b). a $9,817 collection account stemming from the purchase of a water purification system (1.c). six miscellaneous accounts consisting of a $76 past-due account, four charged-off accounts for a total of $3,584, and a $697 collection account (1.d).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 18. The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant provided evidence of a repayment agreement with the IRS for back taxes owed; He demonstrated a proactive approach to resolving his financial issues, including making payments on outstanding debts; The applicant's financial problems were linked to a specific period during his military service, making recurrence unlikely.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided evidence of a repayment agreement with the IRS for back taxes owed.
- He demonstrated a proactive approach to resolving his financial issues, including making payments on outstanding debts.
- The applicant's financial problems were linked to a specific period during his military service, making recurrence unlikely.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 18raisedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant has a history of financial problems or difficulties.
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Occurred Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's tax problems occurred during a limited period related to his overseas deployments.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedCounseling or Resolution of ProblemsThere are clear indications that the applicant's financial problems are being resolved and are under control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant initiated a repayment agreement and is making payments on outstanding debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 11, 2014
- Answer filedMay 30, 2014
- Hearing heldOct 29, 2014
- Decision dateNov 19, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Impact of Military Service on Financial Obligations
- Criteria for Establishing a Repayment Plan with Creditors