Summary
A 48-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The denial stemmed from unresolved delinquent debts totaling approximately $66,000 across seven accounts, including credit cards, an unspecified account, and a mortgage. Additionally, the applicant was found to have intentionally falsified his October 2013 security clearance application by failing to disclose a January 2012 arrest and these delinquent accounts.
The applicant also had a long history of alcohol-related incidents dating back to 1985. This included three alcohol-related non-judicial punishments during his U.S. Navy service, and two DUI arrests in January 2012 and November 2012. These incidents indicated a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that raised security concerns.
Despite the applicant's claims of financial improvement and abstaining from alcohol, the judge determined there was insufficient evidence to mitigate the security risks. The applicant failed to provide adequate evidence to resolve the delinquent debts or demonstrate effective coping mechanisms and rehabilitation for his alcohol use, leading to the denial of the clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to mitigate unresolved delinquent debts totaling $66,000.
- Applicant has a long history of alcohol-related incidents, including multiple arrests and non-judicial punishments.
- Applicant did not demonstrate effective coping mechanisms for his alcohol use or provide evidence of rehabilitation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19raisedFinancial ConsiderationsUnresolved delinquent debt is a security concern because an individual who is financially overextended is at risk of having to engage in illegal acts to generate funds.
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol ConsumptionAn applicant’s history of excessive alcohol consumption becomes a security concern when it serves as direct evidence of questionable judgment and a failure to control impulses.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 6, 2014
- Answer filedNot specified
- Hearing heldJun 3, 2015Applicant appeared pro se.
- Decision dateOct 21, 2015
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns Under Guideline E
- Long History of Alcohol-related Incidents Impacting Security Clearance Under Guideline F
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions Under Guideline G