Summary
A 43-year-old missile technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from a history of delinquent debts totaling approximately $3,952.00 owed to 12 creditors. Several of these debts were at least five years old, with some transferred to collection agencies as far back as 2002 and 1996. While one creditor was satisfied in May 2003 and a $25.00 payment was made to another in July 2003, the overall pattern indicated a lack of consistent effort to resolve the outstanding financial obligations.
Specific debts included $760.00 to a furniture company and $2,500.00 to a hospital for a test the applicant believed insurance would cover. Despite the applicant's assertion of readiness to pay bills, the judge found insufficient evidence of financial counseling or sustained repayment efforts.
The decision highlighted that the repayment of only one of twelve creditors undermined the applicant's credibility regarding her intentions to resolve the debts. Although there was insufficient evidence of deliberate falsification on the security clearance application, the long history of delinquent debts and the lack of good-faith efforts to resolve them were deemed a significant risk, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of delinquent debts dating back to 1996.
- There was insufficient evidence of financial counseling or a sustained effort to repay creditors.
- The applicant's repayment of only one of twelve creditors undermined her credibility regarding intentions to resolve debts.
Conditions Referenced
- F DC 1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F DC 3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F MC 3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's extenuating circumstances included her former husband's failure to pay agreed bills and unexpected medical expenses.
- F MC 6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant's limited repayment efforts did not demonstrate a good-faith effort.
Key Rule Quoted
“The granting (or continuance) of a security clearance under this Directive may only be done upon a finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 4, 2003
- Answer filedOct 3, 2003
- Hearing held—Case decided on a written record.
- Decision dateJun 30, 2004
Cite For
- Evaluation of Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in Security Clearance Determinations
- Impact of Extenuating Circumstances on Financial Disqualifications