Summary
A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and decorated combat veteran was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline C (Foreign Preference), and Guideline L (Outside Activities). The Statement of Reasons detailed the applicant's extensive business and social contacts with Israel and Israeli officials following retirement. These included performing consulting and lobbying services for the Israeli government, attending numerous social functions at the Israeli Embassy, and maintaining friendships with Israeli officials.
Further allegations noted the applicant sought and received permission to work as a consultant for the Israeli government and applied for an Israeli Assurance. The applicant was also employed by a pro-Israel organization in the U.S., traveled to Israel on its behalf, and engaged in lobbying for the organization. Additionally, the applicant provided consulting services to a U.S. company seeking a business relationship with an Israeli company and escorted Israeli officials on trips to U.S. Air Force bases.
The judge found these concerns mitigated. The applicant's extensive military service and expertise in foreign military sales were considered beneficial to U.S. interests. The relationships with Israeli officials were deemed normal and not indicative of disloyalty, and strong character references from senior military officials supported the applicant's trustworthiness. Consequently, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant's extensive military service and expertise in foreign military sales were recognized as beneficial to U.S. interests.
- The applicant's relationships with Israeli officials were deemed normal and not indicative of disloyalty.
- Strong character references from senior military officials supported the applicant's trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 6raisedConduct Which May Make the Individual Vulnerable to Coercion, Exploitation, or Pressure by a Foreign Government
- DC 8raisedA Substantial Financial Interest in a Country, or in Any Foreign-owned or -operated Business That Could Make the Individual Vulnerable to Foreign Influence
- MC 1appliedThe Nature of the Foreign Contacts and the Circumstances Surrounding Them
- MC 2appliedThe Applicant's Service to the U.S. Government and the Nature of the Work Performed
- MC 3appliedEvidence of the Applicant's Character and Reputation
Key Rule Quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance decision is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 19, 2003
- Answer filedMay 30, 2003
- Hearing heldMar 3, 2004Hearing commenced on February 26, 2004 and continued to March 3, 2004.
- Decision dateMay 14, 2004
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Consideration of Character References in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of Military Service on Security Clearance Eligibility