Summary
The applicant, a 46-year-old defense contractor and former military service member, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to a history of delinquent debts stemming from marital issues. He successfully mitigated these concerns by resolving eight of ten debts and demonstrating a commitment to address the remaining debts, leading to a favorable decision for security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The homeowners’ association judgment for $1,289 was satisfied and released in February 2016 (1.a). The $108 medical debt was paid in November 2015 (1.b). The $33 medical debt is paid (1.c). The $54 medical debt was paid in November 2015 (1.d). Applicant stated that he paid the $1,467 automobile loan in 2011. It is resolved (1.e). Applicant testified that he had difficulty locating the creditor for the delinquent $13,178 loan, which was assumed in 2004 (1.f). Applicant testified that he has been unable to locate the original creditor for this $13,581 debt (1.g). The $562 medical debt was paid in March 2016 (1.h). The $72 medical debt was paid in February 2016 (1.i). Applicant cannot locate the creditor for this $50 medical debt after reviewing all credit reports. It is resolved (1.j).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: Applicant resolved eight of ten alleged debts; He demonstrated a commitment to address remaining debts with the assistance of a credit counseling service; The financial issues were linked to circumstances beyond his control, such as marital problems and child custody responsibilities.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant resolved eight of ten alleged debts.
- He demonstrated a commitment to address remaining debts with the assistance of a credit counseling service.
- The financial issues were linked to circumstances beyond his control, such as marital problems and child custody responsibilities.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Infrequently
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling and Evidence of Resolution
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 3, 2015
- Answer filedNov 15, 2015
- Hearing heldMar 2, 2016Record remained open until April 25, 2016.
- Decision dateMay 31, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Marital Issues on Financial Stability
- Good-faith Efforts in Debt Resolution