Well it never really came up...they just kept asking what else is ther and for some reason I didn't think it was that big a deal but I guess it is.   

I guess it was more of an embarrassment issue...is that a valid excuse.   

sprint2005 wrote on Oct 12^th, 2005 at 11:41pm:


It is never in an applicant's self-interest to disclose derogatory information about him- or herself that would not be discovered in the course of a background investigation. Applicants do, however, have an ethical obligation to answer relevant questions truthfully. If the matter you mention is not actually responsive to any of the relevant questions, you have no ethical obligation to divulge it and would probably be wise not to.

You are wrong to assume that it is necessarily something on your mind that is causing you to "fail." Polygraphy has absolutely no scientific basis, and the polygraph cannot read your mind. Virtually everyone who sits for the CIA pre-employment polygraph is initially accused of deception and/or withholding information, badgered for admissions, and brought back for one or more "re-tests." The whole process is a massive bluff to get potentially disqualifying admissions.

Telling the truth is no guarantee that you'll pass, as you've already learned by experience. Providing unasked for information is no guarantee that you'll pass, either. But what you can be sure of is that any admissions you make will become a matter of permanent record, and despite any guarantees of confidentiality you may have received, may be disclosed to other federal agencies. (See the message thread, CIA Released My Sexual History.)

For related informed commentary, see Melissa Boyle Mahle on CIA Polygraph Policy. See also the CIA-related statements on the Personal Statements page. You'll also find relevant discussion of the CIA's use of polygraphy, as well as an exposition of the probable-lie "control question test" technique used by the CIA and many other agencies for pre-employment polygraph screening, in The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.

You think I won't be cleared even if I admit to it and already have a DoD TS/SCI and have passed recent CI Poly's...this would be the only skeleton in my closet and I've never used drugs

What is a quality assurance level?  Is it a good thing if it went up?

Just curious, how much time passed between your 2nd and 3rd polygraph.  Was it before or after a BI? -b

Do what you want, but George's advice is DEAD WRONG.  If you think it's caused you a problem on the tests, tell them.  George sure isn't looking out for your best interest - or anyone else's.