I'm currently working as a civilian Intelligence Analyst with a government agency. Several years ago, I retired after 20 years of active duty with the military as an Intelligence Analyst---about 17 of those years spent at the NSA or one of their field sites.
Prior to my three rotations to the NSA from field sites in the 80s and 90s, I was required to undergo a Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph. All three were conducted on military installations by a military examiner. On all three exams I was always truthful and cooperative. I was "approved" and allowed access to the Ft. Meade complex for the three assignments.
Prior to my retirement from the military and during my last tour with the agency, I applied for a civilian job with the NSA (with my supervisor's support and encouragement). In a nine-month period, I was administered five lifestyle/CI polygraph exams by the NSA at their processing center, FANX-1 in Linthicum, MD (It was through the lobbying efforts of my supervisor and my NSA Division Chief that I was allowed this many exams). As before, on each exam I was truthful and cooperative in answering all the examiner's questions. However, during the exams I was told I was "reacting" to a question on "illegal drug use within the past 5 years" and/or "illegal foreign contact". Half way through exam number 5, I decided that I had had enough and during a break, left the facility. Several weeks later, I received the NSA non-acceptance letter.
Now, the government agency I work for is planning to implement a liaison position with the NSA. They know of my experience and education with the NSA and have asked me if I'm interested in the position (they have no knowledge of the prior polygraphs). I feel I'm in a dilemma. I would very much like to return since I enjoyed the job very much and still have many friends, co-workers and supervisors who know of my work ethic, skills and abilities and would like to see me back. However, to accept this position, I would have to submit to the mental and emotional hell of the polygraph again.
My primary concern is if I accept the position, and the NSA polygraphists still feel I'm being deceptive and send me packing, how or will it affect my current job with the government? Or will NSA even entertain the request from my current employer since it's only been two years, and I'm assuming they probably still have my 5 inch folder with the prior charts/assessments?
I really don't know what to do? I've been completely open and honest during all the exams and that evidently doesn't work. And I'm afraid that if I try the counter-techniques, I'll only get an inconclusive and get sent packing anyway