Thoughts - The machine is just a damn prop to get you to spill your guts.  The most important part of the entire process is the interrogation/interview before the lie detector (over 3 hours in my case).  The actual lie detector was around 30 minutes.

The truth will set you free???
The truth may limit you.
Rule of thumb:  If it's between you and God, if it didn't hurt anyone else, and if it's not a factor to performing the job, keep it that way.

Wish I'd had some idea of the questions that were going to be asked before going into this thing.   
Hope this helps some of you.

Here are the questions that I can remember:

Have you ever stolen anything?
Have you ever solicited a prostitute?
Have you ever fondled a child?
Have you ever had sex with a minor?
When was the last time you carried a firearm?  In your car?
Have you ever had sex with an animal?
Have you ever masturbated at work?
Have you ever had sex at work?
When was the last time you cheated somebody?
Have you ever used illegal drugs?
When was the last time you took a prescription drug other than for its intended use?

Have you ever been involved in a hit-skip?
What was your least favorite job?  Why?  Your favorite?  Why?
Have you ever left a job without giving notice?
What formal and informal warnings have you gotten at work?
Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
What has been all of your experiences with the police?
What's the most dishonest thing you've ever done?
What's the worst thing you've ever done?
Have you ever made an obscene phone call?
Have you ever held someone against their will?
Have your ever hit a family member?  girlfriend/boyfriend?
Have you ever been accused of domestic violence?
Have you ever performed acts of voyeurism?
When was the last time you trespassed for the purpose of voyeurism?

When was the last time you bounced a check?

Anonymous,

First off, I'd like to say that in my experience of processing security clearances, no one ever sat down for a polygraph.  And that was for S, TS/C, and TS/SCI.  So unless you are going to work for the most super secret of government agencies, you're not going to sit on the polygraph.

But, If you are really, really worried about taking a polygraph, read The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.  Just about every question I was asked was posted in that book.

In my personal opinion, I am not a fan of employing countermeasures to beat the polygraph, as TLBTLD will teach you how to do.  What I do favor is knowing the context behind the questions asked, and knowing how the polygrapher expects you to answer each question.  It will help remove much of the notion of deception when you answer "properly."

If you haven't already seen it, much of this same issue has been dicussed on the message board topic TS clearance for the Army.  If this doesn't answer all of your questions, feel free to ask more.

Chris

I've heard a lot about the various steps taken in getting a security clearance. I have also read just about everything on this site regarding polygraph tests but have one question.

What do they actually ask you? Some specific examples would be great. Also, what are some specific examples of things that will down right guarantee not getting a clearance?

Thanks