freestate wrote on Sep 27^th, 2009 at 2:46pm:

1) does s/he have a chance of passing after two previous "failures" if s/he applies the techniques here?

It is not uncommon for NSA applicants to be subjected to as many as three polygraph sessions. This is the maximum number that the NSA polygraph unit can give without special authorization. By making polygraph subjects come back for "re-tests," the NSA polygraph unit ensures full employment for its operators. So whether or not your relative chooses to employ countermeasures, (s)he does have a chance of passing.


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2)  can you be denied an NSA clearance solely on failing a poly - it appears everything else is in order and this is the hiccup in the way. . .

Yes, clearances can be denied based solely on polygraph results.


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3)  this is my own idea and I haven't shared it with said relative yet but -- do they ask you if you've taken medicines that morning or something like that.  Because my feeling is why not take an antihistimine or allergy medicine or something over the counter that takes the edge of. . .i.e., makes you sleepy and, subsequently, more relaxed... before taking this g-dd--n test??

it is standard procedure for polygraph operators to quiz examinees during the pre-test phase about use of medications. As a general rule, I think it is inadvisable to self-medicate.

Your relative might want to read Ralph J. Perro's, "Interviewing With an Intelligence Agency (Or, a Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fort Meade)," which includes a discussion of the NSA polygraph process:

http://ftp.fas.org/irp/eprint/nsa-interview.pdf