Summary
The applicant, a 42-year-old orbital analyst, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to a history of financial delinquency stemming from his divorce in 1996. Despite a salary increase and efforts to manage debts through a non-profit debt management plan, the judge found insufficient evidence of a reliable repayment track record to mitigate security concerns.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: An unpaid medical bill for his sons of $274 was placed for collection (1.a). An unpaid balance of $82 for the drug rehabilitation program (1.b). Owes about $3,000 in legal fees owed his divorce attorney (1.c). A department store charge account charged off in the amount of $110 (1.d). A local hospital had placed a $269 unpaid balance for collection (1.e). Owes his divorce attorney about $2,800 (1.f). A student loan of approximately $3,321 (1.g). An unpaid medical bill for his sons of $274 was placed for collection (1.h). A MasterCard account with a balance of $11,518 (1.i).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions E2.A6.1.2.1, E2.A6.1.2.3. The judge applied mitigating conditions E2.A6.1.3.3, E2.A6.1.3.6. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a history of financial delinquency and excessive indebtedness; Despite a salary increase, the applicant still owed approximately $41,000 in debts; There was insufficient evidence of a reliable repayment track record to mitigate security concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of financial delinquency and excessive indebtedness.
- Despite a salary increase, the applicant still owed approximately $41,000 in debts.
- There was insufficient evidence of a reliable repayment track record to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe judge found the applicant's repayment efforts insufficient to mitigate security concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 7, 2003
- Answer filedDec 12, 2003
- Hearing heldApr 21, 2004
- Decision dateJan 5, 2005
Cite For
- Financial Delinquency as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Repayment History to Mitigate Financial Concerns
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations