Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have already taken asvab and edqt and qualify for a TS job in the Air Guard.  My concern is that I will not get the clearance due to finances.  My income is now 25%of what it was and have been forced to live to an extent on credit cards. I am not late on any, but will be forced to file a chapter 7.  This will be happening almost exact time applying for a TS.  I am afraid that I will be deined TS and stuck with a job I do not want.  I want to pursue the AF, but not if stuck peelin potatos.

ANSWER: Dear Gene --

Most financial issues can be adjudicated, if you are making honest efforts to meet your debts.

Unfortunately, they may only be adjudicated at the secret level keeping you from the job you want.

My only recommendation is to be perfectly honest on your TS application so that they do not find anything you overlooked.  Then have documentation to support why your financial problems do not make you a risk to betray the government, such as your pay-off agreements or the contract you have with a debt serving organization.

You might wish to research other jobs that you can have in the Air Force, that you would like, which do not require a TS clearance.  Then request a rider in your contract that allows you to get a billet in one of those fields, if you cannot get a TS clearance immediately.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does a BK normally disqualify you forever with a TS or jsut until able to show fiscal responcibility again?  reading the sf 86,  all questions are related to being late and not the balances that you carry.  My job is commisson based, so I may make 10K one month and 0 the next.  Having high credit card balances, will this automaticaly keep me from a TS or is it still possible to receive with high debt? I appreciate ur help with this.

Answer
Dear Gene --

A pattern of living beyond your means will indicate to an investigator that you might be susceptible to bribery and thus betraying your country.  So it is not any one item but the pattern of debt and payment compared to your likely annual salary that is considered.

Unfortunately paying one credit card by accepting debt on another credit card is a very bad pattern when reviewed by a clearance investigator.  This can be adjudicated, if you develop a plan to live within your means and can demonstrate that to the investigator.  However, there are no guarantees.

Bankruptcy itself will not keep you from getting a clearance, if there are mitigating circumstances and you are on a good plan to recover financially, you could still get your clearance.

Good luck to you.