Summary
A 53-year-old retired Air Force master sergeant was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed approximately $38,000 in delinquent debts across multiple accounts. These included various collection items, such as $155 for a rental agency, $348 for a cable company, and several larger debts, including $3,946 and $1,220 collected by Midland for a bank and phone company, respectively. Other significant debts included $9,400 and $4,973 on credit cards in collection, an $8,642 charge-off, and $4,072 in student loans collected by a state agency.
The judge found that the applicant had taken substantial steps to address these financial issues. He demonstrated a good-faith effort by paying or settling several accounts and establishing payment plans. Furthermore, he provided evidence of a reasonable plan to manage his financial obligations, including utilizing a credit education company.
The decision to grant the clearance was also influenced by mitigating factors, as the applicant's financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his control, specifically his separation from his wife and the impact of his military service in Iraq. Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant had sufficiently mitigated the financial concerns, and the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort to resolve delinquent debts by paying or settling several accounts.
- He provided evidence of a reasonable plan to manage his financial obligations, including employing a credit education company.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as his separation from his wife and the impact of his military service in Iraq.
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
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions 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 And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Has Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
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 issuedJun 27, 2014
- Answer filedJul 22, 2014
- Hearing heldNov 20, 2014
- Decision dateDec 23, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations