04 January 2011 - A Setback

Well, on the same day I went to take my Oath of Office, i received a certified packet in the mail from the Army Security Clearance Facility, Fort Mead, saying that my security clearance has been suspended because of a few unpaid debts (in collection) going back three years ago or more.  Their thinking is that this could potentially pose a threat if it lead to criminal behavior.  The cruddy thing is, I told my recruiter about the bad debt over a year ago, I discussed it in detail during my security interview back in August, and the debt totals less than $10,000.  In the grand scheme of things, sure seems like a small amount to be considered a security risk.

What also adds to the frustration is that during my security interview, I shared with the investigator that my wife and I had done a 180 turnaround 20 months ago after going through Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University".  I also showed the investigator our debt snowball plan and shared with him our written budget, demonstrating that our financial practices were genuinely on the right track.  He was SATISFIED with my explanations and financial plans (at least that is what he told me!).

Anyway, I spoke to my new recruiter (old one is now stationed in Hawaii) today, and he sounds very optimistic that this will be resolved.

So...please pray with me that this WILL be resolved, and resolved QUICKLY!  Because without that Security Clearance, there is no Chaplain Candidacy.