DOHA

On this forum we have repeatedly stressed honesty and full disclosure when filling out the SF-86 application for a security clearance and advising applicants to take responsibility for previous conduct or behavior that may be of concern. Most FSOs and Security Managers grill their applicants and provide the same advice.

Many clearance applicants who have delinquent debts, collections, or charges offs on their credit report believe that if they simply wait for the debts to fall off after seven years then all will be forgiven. Unfortunately, this rarely works because it is seen as a lack of responsibility and trustworthiness.

First quarter statistics from January through the end of March from the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals (DOHA) Board shows they heard a total of 150 clearance denial appeals. Financial issues continue to outpace all other issues combined. Below is a breakdown by adjudicative category of the issues involved

As noted in previous articles and blog posts, it is well established that financial issues remain the number one reason for a security clearance denial. Why? Common sense and historical experience have shown that financial difficulties may increase temptation to commit illegal or unethical acts as a means of gaining