hello,

I just found out at some point I might have to take a polygraph for the NSA.  I work for a contractor.  I've been reading the horror stories on this board about such experiences, as well as some of my friends experiences.

So I'm worried about the whole process, I don't like possibly betting my job on a flawed process.   I was honest on my PSQ and admitted to smoking pot once.  It was a one time event and is very embarrassing to me, so I fear any time I'm asked a question about drugs I will exhibit a response due to felling very uncomfortable with the subject.   

Should I just relax and take the test?  I have nothing damning to admit, but I'm worried about false positive.  I get the feeling that the NSA is more interested in getting confessions out of people than the actual results.  Should I just endure the interrogation and hope for the best?  I'm not interested in using CM's.

Any insight would be appreciated.

ohgreat wrote on Oct 17^th, 2003 at 6:46am:


I think your perceptions are pretty much right.

The NSA uses the Relevant/Irrelevant technique.  It's a technique practically tailor-made to produce lots of false positives, which is likely just fine with them, since they appear to approach the polygraph as an interrogation prop, anyway.  Count on multiple polygraphs, along with post-test interrogations.  All the NSA applicants I know of went through these, though I admit my knowledge is limited to 5-6 people.  This includes a person working there as we speak.

I can't say as of yet whether how the NSA polygraph process goes for you will have repercussions beyond not getting the position with the NSA or the contractor to them, but it's something to consider.  Remember, if you apply for a clearance in the future, you will likely be asked whether you've ever been investigated for a clearance before (the SF-86 asks this explicitly), so how the NSA polygraph goes may stick with you.  Unfortunately, despite the consensus of the scientific community and the assurances of some pro-polygraph types on this board, too many agencies still appear to put unwarranted faith in polygraph results.

Personally, after my experiences I will never again apply for any position that requires a polygraph -- it's just not worth the stress, regardless of whether I would "pass".  But that's me -- you, of course, have to make the decision for yourself.  If (as you seem to indicate) a job is on the line, you are indeed facing a tough choice.

Skeptic