perplexed, One need not be from a third world country to understand your feelings when someone in a position of authority inquires about a threatening topic to which you have absolutely no connection. It's just the way your mind works and I assure you that you are not alone and there is nothing wrong with you. Simply put, you're a thinker--be proud of it. When I was questioned on national security during my first poly, I do remember thinking how horrible it would be to be accused of being disloyal to my country while realizing that these were questions the FBI meant business about. Even though I thought all the questions were important, I knew for a fact that the national security questions were especially significant. I have no reason to be threatend by them--I am an American born citizen loyal to my country, but I was perceptive enough to know they were different from the rest even without knowing anything about the poly. You find yourself in a very difficult position. Personally, if I was in your shoes, knowing what you know, I would take my INC and run. First, you already know that polygraphs don't work and you don't believe in them. Fear and the belief that polys work are necessary elements in the process. You've educated yourself, so the option of being fooled into passing is out for you. The so-called test will be different for you now. Secondly, you've already mentioned to your examiner that you've read things on the internet about polys. Though I commend and respect you for having the guts to let the examiner have it on the phone, telling him that you've researched the poly online was a mistake. I fear that even if you pass without countermeasure use, you will be accused of such. Examiners are very paranoid about this site and yours may question that research, even though he may not have acted like it on the phone. Remember, no matter how nice examiners may seem, they can make some pretty harsh judgements, though unwarranted as they may be. You may also have cause for concern because you've posted on this site--FBI examiners read it--hell, that's what brought me here. Third, is the fact that your INC is in national security, which automatically raises red flags. It's one thing to be INC on the suitability/drugs portion of the test, but yours is in national security. One would think the examiner will be especially cautious with you because you were not born on American soil. I know, this is not a fair assumption to make on the FBI's part, but the agency won't risk it. Again, I am by no means questioning your loyalty to your country, but that's the way the agency will see it--better to be safe than sorry. I know, very wrong and unfair. Finally, the truth is, the FBI is not all that it's cracked up to be. I too, trusted and respected the agency and thought it was "the tops" in LE. I based this assumption on working with employees of the agency who left 3-4 years ago. It seems there's been a lot of employees who have left within the past few years and their replacements, I must say, are not impressive. I personally find the agency to be disorganized and inept--my faith and confidence in it, shattered. I thank my lucky stars that I didn't end up there. The fact that it has so much power and responsibility, quite frankly, scares the living daylights out of me. However, to each his own and in the end, you must do what is right for you. You seem like an eloquent, passionate, idealistic individual whose talents would be more appreciated elsewhere. I wish you the best in making your decision and good luck in whatever you decide. P.S. I'll tell you the same thing I told a friend who ironically, just last night asked me what I thought about her applying for a job that requires a polygraph. Knowing what I know now, I couldn't in good conscience recommend a job to her that requires a pre-employment polygraph and therefore, I respectfully, cannot do the same for you.
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