I'm new to the federal hiring experience (although I did spend over 25 years in the Navy on AD).  When I read experiences like this, I wonder if, from the beginning, a decision was made to either 1) Not hire and base it on some disqualification or polygraph results or 2) It is simply a way of "testing" new applicants to see what they are made of or if they will "crack" in some way.  Again, I don't know, but it would seem that something along this order might be the case.  In my situation, I am certain that I had no criminal or egregious mistakes in my past.  But I have had other problems that I had overcame, but still would have caused some paper-pusher to look over more than once.  Those without skeletons in their closet (or less of them I suppose) have a better chance of making it.  Personally, after what I've seen, I don't think it's worth it.  I'll admit I'm most likely getting too old for this (but I hate to admit it)...do you think 49 is over the hill??? :)