Summary
A 44-year-old intelligence writer with military service was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had a history of significant delinquent debts, totaling over $36,000, accumulated between 1995 and 1997 following a divorce and periods of low-paying jobs. Despite having available income since at least June 2002, most of these debts remained unaddressed, including a $6,020 charge-off from 1995. While a state tax lien from 1999 for $1,705 was satisfied, the judge found insufficient commitment to resolve the remaining financial obligations.
Additionally, the applicant had three alcohol-related incidents over a ten-year period, two of which resulted in guilty findings and punishment. These incidents included three arrests between 1993 and 2002, leading to convictions, probation, and a diagnosis of alcohol abuse. In February 1997, he attended an alcohol and drug abuse program, where he was diagnosed as an alcohol abuser and recommended for outpatient treatment, AA attendance, and abstention. However, he failed to comply with these recommendations.
Although the applicant reported reduced alcohol consumption and no alcohol-related incidents since September 2002, the judge noted a lack of recent evidence of counseling or support for his alcohol issues. Ultimately, the judge determined there was insufficient evidence of a commitment to resolve the financial obligations and mitigate the risks associated with alcohol abuse, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of delinquent debts totaling over $36,000, which he has not adequately addressed despite having the financial means to do so.
- The applicant experienced three alcohol-related arrests between 1993 and 2002, resulting in convictions and a diagnosis of alcohol abuse, with no recent evidence of counseling or support for alcohol issues.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A7.1.2.2appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.3appliedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional
- E2.A7.1.2.5appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- E2.A6.1.3.1rejectedThe Behavior Was Not Recent
- E2.A6.1.3.3rejectedThe 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 Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“The government does not have to wait until an individual mishandles or fails to safeguard classified information before it can make an unfavorable security clearance decision.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 8, 2004
- Answer filedJul 11, 2004
- Hearing heldSep 15, 2004
- Decision dateFeb 7, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation From Alcohol Abuse Affecting Security Clearance Decisions Under Guideline J