Summary
A 55-year-old retired federal civil servant, previously involved in Foreign Military Sales, was denied a security clearance. The denial was based on concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline C (Foreign Preference), and Guideline E (Personal Conduct).
The Statement of Reasons included allegations that the applicant shared living quarters with individuals who could pose a foreign influence risk, had relatives or associates connected to foreign governments, and engaged in conduct that made him vulnerable to foreign coercion or exploitation. Specific concerns under Guideline C included performing duties or acting in ways that served the interests of another government over the United States. Under Guideline E, allegations included receiving illegal gratuities and gifts from Government of Israel (GOI) liaison officers between 1990 and 1995, acting as a GOI agent by challenging U.S. personnel decisions in the presence of GOI officials, and failing to report the discovery of an electronic listening device in a GOI vehicle while on Army business in Israel.
The judge determined that the applicant's unauthorized advocacy for foreign governments, particularly Israel, compromised U.S. interests and increased his vulnerability to exploitation. His failure to appeal the Army's prior revocation of his security clearance also contributed to the denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant acted as an advocate for foreign governments, which compromised U.S. interests.
- He failed to appeal the Army's revocation of his security clearance, indicating a lack of diligence in addressing security concerns.
- The applicant's conduct was deemed to increase his vulnerability to coercion and exploitation by foreign entities.
Conditions Referenced
- E1raisedReliable, Unfavorable Information Provided by Associates, Employers, Coworkers, Neighbors, and Other Acquaintances
- E4appliedPersonal Conduct or Concealment of Information That Increases an Individual's Vulnerability to Coercion, Exploitation or Duress
- C9appliedPerforming or Attempting to Perform Duties, or Otherwise Acting as to Serve the Interests of Another Government in Preference to the Interests of the United States
- B2raisedSharing Living Quarters with a Person or Persons, Regardless of Their Citizenship Status, If the Potential for Adverse Foreign Influence or Duress Exists
- B3raisedRelatives, Cohabitants, or Associates Who Are Connected with Any Foreign Governments
- B6appliedConduct Which May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Coercion, Exploitation or Pressure by a Foreign Government
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government is therefore appropriately concerned where reliable information indicates that an Applicant for clearance demonstrates personal unreliability, preference for a foreign country, or undue foreign influence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 31, 2001
- Answer filedSep 25, 2001
- Hearing heldDec 19, 2001
- Decision dateApr 8, 2002
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unauthorized Advocacy for Foreign Interests
- Impact of Prior Adjudications on Current Clearance Applications
- Vulnerability to Foreign Exploitation as a Disqualifying Factor