Summary
This case concerns a 55-year-old Navy veteran and engineering support technician who sought to retain his security clearance, which was challenged under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleged several delinquent credit accounts, including one opened in 2006 with an $817 balance and another that was a duplicate of a prior allegation. A fourth alleged credit card debt of $5,553 was withdrawn by the Government, as the applicant was only an authorized user and not liable.
The applicant's financial difficulties were primarily attributed to circumstances beyond his control, specifically a house fire and subsequent health problems. These events led to litigation, further impacting his financial stability.
Despite the initial allegations, the judge ultimately granted the security clearance. This decision was based on the applicant's demonstrated track record of financial responsibility, the finding that he no longer had current financial problems, and that his finances were under control. The mitigating conditions applied included that the financial problems were not recent, were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, and he had resolved or was resolving the debts.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a track record of financial responsibility.
- He does not have a current financial problem and his finances are under control.
- The financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including a house fire and health problems.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- 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(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
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may be granted "only upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 30, 2014
- Answer filedJan 30, 2015Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decided on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 9, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control
- Demonstrating a Track Record of Financial Responsibility