Summary
The applicant, a 42-year-old former Army service member, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to significant financial issues, including over $18,000 in past-due debts. Despite some debts being resolved, the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible management of his financial obligations, leading to the conclusion that he did not mitigate the security concerns.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant admits that he is indebted to State A for delinquent child support in the amount of about $17,699 (1.a). Applicant admits that he was indebted to Creditor B for a past-due debt of $125 (1.b). Applicant admits that he is indebted to Creditor C for a past-due, “cable equipment,” debt of $429 (1.c). Applicant admits that he was indebted to Creditor D for a past-due, “school,” debt of $569 (1.d). Applicant admits that he was indebted to Creditor D for another past-due, “school,” debt of $124 (1.e). Applicant admits that he is indebted to Creditor F for past-due, “medical bills,” totaling about $3,479 (1.f). Applicant admits that he is indebted to Creditor J for past-due debt of $36 (1.m).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The decision turned on the following: Applicant has over $18,000 in past-due debts that he has not credibly addressed; Applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve debts; The applicant's financial difficulties raise questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has over $18,000 in past-due debts that he has not credibly addressed.
- Applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors or resolve debts.
- The applicant's financial difficulties raise questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one=s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual=s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 14, 2014
- Answer filedDec 2, 2014
- Hearing held—Applicant represented himself
- Decision dateFeb 17, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Management of Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Significant Past-due Debts as a Disqualifying Factor
- Lack of Good-faith Effort to Resolve Financial Issues