Torpedo wrote on Feb 26^th, 2003 at 12:59am:


I don't mind discussing it at all.  I've taken three polygraphs for employment with the National Security Agency.  All three were Relevant/Irrelevant format.  I don't really know whether I "passed" or "failed", as I understand NSA uses the polygraph primarily as a means to elicit confessions, and although I went through three post-test interrogations, I was never explicitly told I "failed".  My understanding now is that most people applying at NSA face post-test interrogations and multiple polygraphs.

I used countermeasures during the first two polygraphs on sacrifice relevant questions and on a breakdown test.  Not surprisingly (for an NSA R/I exam) the countermeasures didn't help on the regular exam -- I got interrogated anyway.  They had the clear effect of foiling the breakdown exam, though, and there was no indication of detection whatsoever.

The last exam was the only time I was explicitly asked about research into polygraphy, at which time I volunteered my knowledge of the polygraph and countermeasures.  At no time during any of the exams did I answer any questions dishonestly.

After the third exam, I waited about a month and a half, and having heard nothing further (despite two attempts to contact the NSA and discover my status) proceeded to withdraw my application, primarily because I didn't want the joy of going through the same experience every five years or so.  Their response indicated to me that I had not been disqualified from the application process at the time, so presumably (despite all the fun interrogations) I passed.

Skeptic