Well I'm crushed.  I was deemed unsuitable by the CIA.  Anyway, the letter from the CIA stated that I was determined unsuitable "at this time" and that I could reconsider applying in one year since time passage could be mitigating.  This is probably boilerplate stuff I suppose.

First question is:  does anyone think this is possible or am I just blackballed for life? (I only ask because working at the CIA is my dream job)

Next question:  The letter stated that I could affirm in future apps that I have never been denied a security clearance.  Only problem with that is that the SF 86 specifically asks "have you ever been investigated by the federal government?"  If yes you have to fill out the clearance obtained.

What are you supposed to fill out then?   George (or anyone) if you have some insight I would appreciate a response.  THanks.

Hi Wallerstein...sorry to hear about the bad news.

Yeah, same question as above: how long after the polygraph and/or the completion of your BI did you get this unsuitable letter?

I am currently waiting for my security clearance (it has been 8 months since my COE and 4 months since the completion of my BI), and I get more nervous with each day.

Also, do you have any idea or guesses as to why you were deemed "unsuitable"?  Any past drug use, excessive alcohol use, extensive foreign travel, etc etc?

I am on pins and needles and fear a similar "suitability" letter...ugggh

Thanks for any light you can shed on the matter!

The CIA routinely uses the polygraph pre-employment screening to keep from spending money on full BIs.  There are citations to prove this and their own job advertisements differentiate between the BI and polygraph.

Although the 86 is unclear, when the investigator interviews you for your BI then I would definitely disclose your previous disqualification to avoid big problems later on.  Of course, you risk never getting the job and having an appeals process open to you because they can use items in the polygraph interview to decline the job based on vague 'suitability' considerations rather than security issues.

Good luck.

Beaner

There is no place on the 86 to indicate that a person had a COE rescinded after their pre-screening process.  It only asks if a person had a BI and states if the person is unsure they should answer 'no'.

Further - the subject of previously having had a COE rescinded may never even come up on a BI unless specifically brought up by the person who is being investigated.

Question #26 on SF-86 asks, "Has the United States Government ever investigated your background and/or granted you a security clearance?" Based on one of your earlier posts indicating that the CIA polygraphed you and suggesting that a background investigation had begun, I think you would have to answer this question "yes." You can provide an explanation in the continuation space at the end of the form, and use extra sheets of paper if necessary.

"unsuitable" means your personality profile is not compatible OR you need further "experience."  get a language.   do something to better yourself.