Summary
A 32-year-old defense contractor employee and honorably discharged Air Force veteran was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons cited a November 2011 non-judicial punishment for making a false official statement while in the Air Force, a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Financial concerns included a mortgage with a remaining balance of $220,574 in foreclosure status and a delinquent credit card debt of $3,147.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns. For the financial issues, he demonstrated proactive efforts, including negotiating a mortgage modification and settling outstanding debts. His current financial situation was deemed sound, with positive cash flow and savings, indicating responsible management.
Regarding the personal conduct issue, letters of support from senior Air Force colleagues were presented, indicating that the prior misconduct was an aberration and not reflective of his overall character. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated proactive efforts to resolve financial issues, including negotiating a mortgage modification and settling debts.
- Letters of support from senior Air Force colleagues indicated that the applicant's prior misconduct was an aberration and not reflective of his overall character.
- The applicant's current financial situation is sound, with positive cash flow and savings, indicating responsible management of finances.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedIndividual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor or Occurred Under Unique Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 2, 2014
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing heldMay 27, 2015Hearing conducted after request for conversion from decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateAug 21, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Issues Under Guideline E Due to Supportive Character References
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Proactive Debt Management
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Determinations.