OK ... somehow I think this got a little off topic for my specific situation.
I have no benefit to lie or not lie on this forum as it has no consequence.
I can tell you my drug use was limited to mild experimentation, which I did not count the times but estimate at around 8-10 times over several years. I told the guy who interviewd me from the FBI and the polygrapher as well. The polygrapher felt that I was lieing about it and that I had a more addictive problem to drugs which is not true.
It seems wierd to me that they send this background investigator to interview all these people from the past and if not one person mentions drugs wouldnt that seem like a pretty good testament of whether someone had a drug addiction at some point in their life.
I can tell you he was clearly frustrated with the sweat coming from my hands as it was constant and not possible to cease.
I do have some specific questions to the both of you and I thank you for your posts as well.
Quote:One thing that I recommend you do is to file a Privacy Act request for your entire FBI file. It's a permanent record, and it (along with your polygraph results) will be reviewed by adjudicators if you ever again apply for a position that requires a security clearance (whether or not a polygraph is required). It's important that you be aware of what is in the file so that you can challenge any inaccuracies.
Where do I get a privaqcy act request form and who do I send it to? Who and how do I challenge inaccuracies?
Quote:I can read that a few ways, but anyhow, did you define "minor experimental drug use"? If so, were you absolutely certain of your answer? If you said you used it 10 times, but it's possible it was 11, then you can't be sure of your answer. Unless you kept notes or only tried it once or twice, it's not always easy to get the number dead on. If you're uncertain, you've got to work through that with the examiner so you can get to a point at which you know that you know that you're truthful.
How can it matter if the number of times is 10 or 11? The last time I touched marijuana was 9 years ago and it was a sporadic experimental issue never one of regular use by any sense of the word. I never gave the examiner an exact figure because it happened a while ago and frankly I cannot truthfuly recall specifics.
Quote:If you pursue graduate studies, you might want to consider a less specialized major in order to enhance your options for employment outside the intelligence community.
Without a specialized degree such as Master of Strategic Intelligence I feel I would lose the asset that comes with it. It would seem to me that a person with a masters degree such as that would be a high commodity. I have a strong resume filled with exceptional accomplishments. Furthermore, I am in the process of becoming fluent in Russian.
Also, I am currently a GS-09 in the federal government with the Dept. VA. The position I have I can easily get to GS-12 and still live where I am now in a low cost area. I am taking the masters to improved my marketability to the IC. It is in the IC where I feel my job satisfaction truly exists.
Lastly, there are prescriptions I can use that only a doctor can prescribe which are supposed to cut off all sweat to the hands. I have to treat my hands 3 days a week then as needed but once the treatment is underway it cuts all sweat. I am not much of a prescription medicene user and have never done it. Would that be considered unethical or a (CM?) if I were to be using that prescription while taking the polygraph? I can tell you when I finish my degree in 2 years and start applying, I wont go into that room for the polygraph and not have taken care of my hands in some manner. Whether its a medical report from my doctor or a prescription that kills the sweat glands.
I have spoken to some people about my experience and they basically say 2 things. I got a knee jerk of a polygrapher for my examination AND the FBI by far is the most difficult to deal with in regards of passing a polygraph because they remain more narrowly focused. I believe as well as others that their is more tolerance to real life pasts in other agencies then the FBI. I will be seeking employment from the other IC community agencies, more particular, DoN intel, DIA, NSA, possible CIA. In hind sight I wish I would have appealed their decision and went before an adjuticator.
For instance, with the Department of the Navy, NCIS does their polygraphs if needed for their intelligence screenings. If an unfavorable decision is returned by the navy, their appeals seems very open and straightforward. It is displayed in SECNAV M5510.30.
Your continued help with this would be appreciated!
Thanks