> **[GUIDELINE A]{.underline}**
>
> **[Allegiance to the United States]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> An individual must be of unquestioned allegiance to the United States.
> The willingness to safeguard classified information is in doubt if
> there is any reason to suspect an individual\'s allegiance to the
> United States.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   Involvement in any act of sabotage, espionage, treason, terrorism,
    sedition, or other act whose aim is to overthrow the Government of
    the United States or alter the form of government by
    unconstitutional means;

-   Association or sympathy with persons who are attempting to commit,
    or who are committing, any of the above acts;

-   Association or sympathy with persons or organizations that advocate
    the overthrow of the United States Government, or any state or
    subdivision, by force or violence or by other unconstitutional
    means;

-   Involvement in activities which unlawfully advocate or practice the
    commission of acts of force or violence that prevent others from
    exercising their rights under the Constitution or laws of the United
    States or of any state.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The individual was unaware of the unlawful aims of the individual or
    organization and severed ties upon learning of these;

-   The individual\'s involvement was only with the lawful or
    humanitarian aspects of such an organization;

-   Involvement in the above activities occurred for only a short period
    of time and was attributable to curiosity or academic interest;

-   The person has had no recent involvement or association with such
    activities.

> **[GUIDELINE B]{.underline}**
>
> **[Foreign Influence]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> A security risk may exist when an individual\'s immediate family,
> including cohabitants and other persons to whom he or she may be bound
> by affection, influence, or obligation are not citizens of the United
> States or may be subject to duress. These situations could create the
> potential for foreign influence that could result in the compromise of
> classified information. Contacts with citizens of other countries or
> financial interests in other countries are also relevant to security
> determinations if they make an individual potentially vulnerable to
> coercion, exploitation, or pressure.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern or may be disqualifying
> include:

-   An immediate family member, or a person to whom the individual has
    close ties of affection or obligation, is a citizen of, or resident
    or present in, a foreign country;

-   Sharing living quarters with a person or persons, regardless of
    their citizenship status, if the potential for adverse foreign
    influence or duress exists;

-   Relatives, cohabitants, or associates that are connected with any
    foreign government;

-   Failing to report, where required, associations with foreign
    nationals;

-   Unauthorized association with a suspected or known collaborator or
    employee of a foreign intelligence service;

-   Conduct which may make the individual vulnerable to coercion,
    exploitation, or pressure by a foreign government;

-   Indications that representatives or nationals from a foreign country
    are acting to increase the vulnerability of the individual to
    possible future exploitation, coercion or pressure;

-   A substantial financial interest in a country, or in any foreign
    owned or operated business that could make the individual vulnerable
    to foreign influence.

-   Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   A determination that the immediate family member(s) (spouse, father,
    mother, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters), cohabitants, or
    associate(s) in question are not agents of a foreign power or in a
    position to be exploited by a foreign power in a way that could
    force the individual to choose between loyalty to the person(s)
    involved and the United States;

-   Contacts with foreign citizens are the result of official United
    States Government business;

-   Contact and correspondence with foreign citizens are casual and
    infrequent;

-   The individual has promptly complied with existing agency
    requirements regarding the reporting of contacts, requests, or
    threats from persons or organizations from a foreign country;

-   Foreign financial interests are minimal and not sufficient to affect
    the individual\'s security responsibilities.

> **[GUIDELINE C]{.underline}**
>
> **[Foreign Preference]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for
> a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone
> to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the
> interests of the United States.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   The exercise of dual citizenship;

-   Possession and/or use of a foreign passport;

-   Military service or a willingness to bear arms for a foreign
    country;

-   Accepting educational, medical, or other benefits, such as
    retirement and social welfare, from a foreign country;

-   Residence in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements;

-   Using foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests
    in another country;

-   Seeking or holding political office in the foreign country;

-   Voting in foreign elections; and

-   Performing or attempting to perform duties, or otherwise acting, so
    as to serve the interests of another government in preference to the
    interests of the United States.

Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   Dual citizenship is based solely on parents\' citizenship or birth
    in a foreign country;

-   Indicators of possible foreign preference (e.g., foreign military
    > service) occurred before obtaining United States citizenship;

-   Activity is sanctioned by the United States;

-   Individual has expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship.

> **[GUIDELINE D]{.underline}**
>
> **[Sexual Behavior]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> Sexual behavior is a security concern if it involves a criminal
> offense, indicates a personality or emotional disorder, may subject
> the individual to coercion, exploitation, or duress, or reflects lack
> of judgment or discretion. Sexual orientation or preference may not be
> used as a basis for or a disqualifying factor in determining a
> person\'s eligibility for a security clearance.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   Sexual behavior of a criminal nature, whether or not the individual
    has been prosecuted;

-   Compulsive or addictive sexual behavior when the person is unable to
    > stop a pattern of self-destruction or high-risk behavior or that
    > which is symptomatic of a personality disorder;

-   Sexual behavior that causes an individual to be vulnerable to
    coercion, exploitation, or duress;

-   Sexual behavior of a public nature and/or that which reflects lack
    > of discretion or judgment.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The behavior occurred during or prior to adolescence and there is no
    > evidence of subsequent conduct of a similar nature;

-   The behavior was not recent and there is no evidence of subsequent
    conduct of a similar nature;

-   There is no other evidence of questionable judgment,
    irresponsibility, or emotional instability;

-   The behavior no longer serves as a basis for coercion, exploitation,
    or duress.

> **[GUIDELINE E]{.underline}**
>
> **[Personal Conduct]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> Conduct involving questionable judgment, untrustworthiness,
> unreliability, lack of candor, dishonesty, or unwillingness to comply
> with rules and regulations could indicate that the person may not
> properly safeguard classified information. The following will normally
> result in an unfavorable clearance action or administrative
> termination of further processing for clearance eligibility:

-   Refusal to undergo or cooperate with required security processing,
    including medical and psychological testing;

-   Refusal to complete required security forms, releases, or provide
    full, frank and truthful answers to lawful questions of
    investigators, security officials or other official representatives
    in connection with a personnel security or trustworthiness
    determination.

> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying also include:

-   Reliable, unfavorable information provided by associates, employers,
    coworkers, neighbors, or other acquaintances;

-   The deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant
    and material facts from any personnel security questionnaire,
    personal history statement, or similar form used to conduct
    investigations, determine employment qualifications, award benefits
    or status, determine security clearance eligibility or
    trustworthiness, or award fiduciary responsibilities;

-   Deliberately providing false or misleading information concerning
    relevant and material matters to an investigator, security official,
    competent medical authority, or other official representative in
    connection with a personnel security or trustworthiness
    determination;

-   Personal conduct or concealment of information that may increase an
    individual\'s vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or duress,
    such as engaging in activities which, if known, may affect the
    person\'s personal, professional, or community standing or render
    the person susceptible to blackmail;

-   A pattern of dishonesty or rule violations, including violation of
    any written or recorded agreement made between the individual and
    the agency;

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-   Association with persons involved in criminal activity.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The information was unsubstantiated or not pertinent to a
    determination of judgment, trustworthiness, or reliability;

-   The falsification was an isolated incident, was not recent, and the
    individual has subsequently provided correct information
    voluntarily;

-   The individual made prompt, good‑faith efforts to correct the
    falsification before being confronted with the facts;

-   Omission of material facts was caused or significantly contributed
    to by improper or inadequate advice of authorized personnel, and the
    previously omitted information was promptly and fully provided;

-   The individual has taken positive steps to significantly reduce or
    eliminate vulnerability to coercion, exploitation, or duress;

-   A refusal to cooperate was based on advice from legal counsel or
    other officials that the individual was not required to comply with
    security processing requirements and, upon being made aware of the
    requirement, fully and truthfully provided the requested
    information;

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-   Association with persons involved in criminal activities has ceased.

> **[GUIDELINE F]{.underline}**
>
> **[Financial Considerations]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> An individual who is financially overextended is at risk of having to
> engage in illegal acts to generate funds. Unexplained affluence is
> often linked to proceeds from financially profitable criminal acts.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   A history of not meeting financial obligations;

-   Deceptive or illegal financial practices such as embezzlement,
    employee theft, check fraud, income tax evasion, expense account
    fraud, filing deceptive loan statements, or other intentional
    financial breaches of trust;

-   Inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts;

-   Unexplained affluence;

-   Financial problems that are linked to gambling, drug abuse,
    alcoholism, or other issues of security concern.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The behavior was not recent;

-   It was an isolated incident;

-   The conditions that resulted in the behavior were largely beyond the
    person\'s control (e.g., loss of employment, a business downturn,
    unexpected medical emergency, or a death, divorce or separation);

-   The person has received or is receiving counseling for the problem
    and there are clear indications that the problem is being resolved
    or is under control;

-   The affluence resulted from a legal source; and

-   The individual initiated a good‑faith effort to repay overdue
    creditors or otherwise resolve debts.

> **[GUIDELINE G]{.underline}**
>
> **[Alcohol Consumption]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to the exercise of
> questionable judgment, unreliability, failure to control impulses, and
> increases the risk of unauthorized disclosure of classified
> information due to carelessness.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   Alcohol‑related incidents away from work, such as driving while
    under the influence, fighting, child or spouse abuse, or other
    criminal incidents related to alcohol use;

-   Alcohol‑related incidents at work, such as reporting for work or
    duty in an intoxicated or impaired condition, or drinking on the
    job;

-   Diagnosis by a credentialed medical professional (e.g., physician,
    clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist) of alcohol abuse or alcohol
    dependence;

-   Evaluation of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence by a licensed
    clinical social worker who is a staff member of a recognized alcohol
    treatment program;

-   Habitual or binge consumption of alcohol to the point of impaired
    judgment;

-   Consumption of alcohol, subsequent to a diagnosis of alcoholism by a
    credentialed medical professional and following completion of an
    alcohol rehabilitation program.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The alcohol‑related incidents do not indicate a pattern;

-   The problem occurred a number of years ago and there is no
    indication of a recent problem;

-   Positive changes in behavior supportive of sobriety;

-   Following diagnosis of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, the
    individual has successfully completed inpatient or outpatient
    rehabilitation along with aftercare requirements, participated
    frequently in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar
    organization, has abstained from alcohol for at least 12 months, and
    received a favorable prognosis by a credentialed medical
    professional or a licensed clinical social worker who is a staff
    member of a recognized alcohol treatment program.

> **[GUIDELINE H]{.underline}**
>
> **[Drug Involvement]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.

-   Improper or illegal involvement with drugs raises questions
    regarding an individual\'s willingness or ability to protect
    classified information. Drug abuse or dependence may impair social
    or occupational functioning, increasing the risk of an unauthorized
    disclosure of classified information.

-   Drugs are defined as mood and behavior altering substances, and
    include:

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-   Drugs, materials, and other chemical compounds identified and listed
    in the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, as amended (e.g., marijuana
    or cannabis, depressants, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens),
    and

-   Inhalants and other similar substances.

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-   Drug abuse is the illegal use of a drug or use of a legal drug in a
    manner that deviates from approved medical direction.

> Conditions that could raise a security concern; and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   Any drug abuse (see above definition);

-   Illegal drug possession, including cultivation, processing,
    manufacture, purchase, sale, or distribution;

-   Diagnosis by a credentialed medical professional (e.g., physician,
    clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist) of drug abuse or drug
    dependence;

-   Evaluation of drug abuse or drug dependence by a licensed clinical
    social worker who is a staff member of a recognized drug treatment
    program;

-   Failure to successfully complete a drug treatment program prescribed
    by a credentialed medical professional. Recent drug involvement,
    especially following the granting of a security clearance, or an
    expressed intent not to discontinue use, will almost invariably
    result in an unfavorable determination.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The drug involvement was not recent;

-   The drug involvement was an isolated or aberrational event;

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-   A demonstrated intent not to abuse any drugs in the future;

-   Satisfactory completion of a prescribed drug treatment program,
    including rehabilitation and aftercare requirements, without
    recurrence of abuse, and a favorable prognosis by a credentialed
    medical professional.

> **[GUIDELINE I]{.underline}**
>
> **[Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> Emotional, mental, and personality disorders can cause a significant
> deficit in an individual\'s psychological, social and occupational
> functioning. These disorders are a security concern because they may
> indicate a defect in judgment, reliability, or stability. A
> credentialed mental health professional (e.g., clinical psychologist
> or psychiatrist), employed by, acceptable to or approved by the U.S.
> Government, should be utilized in evaluating potentially disqualifying
> and mitigating information fully and properly, and particularly for
> consultation with the individual\'s mental health care provider.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   An opinion by a credentialed mental health professional that the
    individual has a condition or treatment that may indicate a defect
    in judgment, reliability, or stability;

-   Information that suggests that an individual has failed to follow
    appropriate medical advice relating to treatment of a condition,
    e.g., failure to take prescribed medication;

-   A pattern of high‑risk, irresponsible, aggressive, anti‑social or
    emotionally unstable behavior;

-   Information that suggests that the individual\'s current behavior
    indicates a defect in his or her judgment or reliability.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   There is no indication of a current problem;

-   Recent opinion by a credentialed mental health professional that an
    individual\'s previous emotional, mental, or personality disorder is
    cured, under control or in remission and has a low probability of
    recurrence or exacerbation;

-   The past emotional instability was a temporary condition (e.g., one
    caused by a death, illness, or marital breakup), the situation has
    been resolved, and the individual is no longer emotionally unstable.

> **[GUIDELINE J]{.underline}**
>
> **[Criminal Conduct]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> A history or pattern of criminal activity creates doubt about a
> person\'s judgment, reliability and trustworthiness.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   Allegations or admissions of criminal conduct regardless of whether
    the person was formally charged;

-   A single serious crime or multiple lesser offenses.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The criminal behavior was not recent;

-   The crime was an isolated incident;

-   The person was pressured or coerced into committing the act and
    those pressures are no longer present in that person's life;

-   The person did not voluntarily commit the act and/or the factors
    leading to the violation are not likely to recur;

-   Acquittal; ­

-   There is clear evidence of successful rehabilitation.

> **[GUIDELINE K]{.underline}**
>
> **[Security Violations]{.underline}**
>
> The Concern.
>
> Noncompliance with security regulations raises doubt about an
> individual's trustworthiness, willingness, and ability to safeguard
> classified information.
>
> Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be
> disqualifying include:

-   Unauthorized disclosure of classified information;

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-   Violations that are deliberate, multiple or due to negligence.

> Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include actions that:

-   Were inadvertent;

-   Were isolated or infrequent;

-   Were due to improper or inadequate training;

-   Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the discharge of security
    responsibilities.

**[GUIDELINE L]{.underline}**

**[Outside Activities]{.underline}**

The Concern.

Involvement in certain types of outside employment or activities is of
security concern if it poses a conflict with an individual\' s security
responsibilities and could create an increased risk of unauthorized
disclosure of classified information.

Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying
include any service, whether compensated, volunteer, or employment with:

-   A foreign country;

-   Any foreign national;

-   A representative of any foreign interest;

-   Any foreign, domestic, or international organization or person
    engaged in analysis, discussion, or publication of material on
    intelligence, defense, foreign affairs, or protected technology.

Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   Evaluation of the outside employment or activity indicates that it
    does not pose a conflict with an individual\'s security
    responsibilities;

-   The individual terminates the employment or discontinues the
    activity upon being notified that it is in conflict with his or her
    security responsibilities.

**[GUIDELINE M]{.underline}**

**[Misuse of Information Technology Systems]{.underline}**

The Concern.

Noncompliance with rules, procedures, guidelines, or regulations
pertaining to information technology systems may raise security concerns
about an individual\'s trustworthiness, willingness, and ability to
properly protect classified systems, networks, and information.
Information Technology Systems include all related equipment used for
the communication, transmission, processing, manipulation, and storage
of classified or sensitive information.

Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying
include:

-   Illegal or unauthorized entry into any information technology
    system;

-   Illegal or unauthorized modification, destruction, manipulation or
    denial of access to information residing on an information
    technology system;

-   Removal (or use) of hardware, software, or media from any
    information technology system without authorization, when
    specifically prohibited by rules, procedures, guidelines or
    regulations;

-   Introduction of hardware, software, or media into any information
    technology system without authorization, when specifically
    prohibited by rules, procedures, guidelines or regulations.

Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

-   The misuse was not recent or significant;

-   The conduct was unintentional or inadvertent;

-   The introduction or removal of media was authorized;

-   d The misuse was an isolated event;

-   The misuse was followed by a prompt good faith effort to correct the
    situation.