should i retake??

[jjackson]

Hello,  
  
I just took my 4th poly at NSA and expect to be called back for a 5th.  Every time I go, I'm told I have problems with one of the lifestyle questions.  I'm no longer interested in the job, but am afraid that if I don't go I'll be blacklisted, and won't ever be able to obtain a security clearance.  Could anyone offer advice as to whether or not I should keep retaking the poly as long as they keep calling me back?  Will I be pretty much putting the dagger in my heart  as far as any future employment requiring a clearance goes if I just refuse to submit myself to anymore polys?  thanks.

[George W. Maschke]

While I don't know whether refusing to return for a fifth NSA polygraph might have adverse career consequences elsewhere in government, it's worth noting that it is normal for NSA applicants to be subjected to as many as three pre-employment polygraph sessions. According to the NSA's polygraph regulation, "the decision for a fourth examination will be made only by the Director of Security." Thus, the fact that you've been administered a fourth polygraph suggests that the Agency is seriously interested in hiring you. If you were to be asked to come back for a fifth, that would suggest even stronger interest, because the same regulation states that any examination beyond the fourth "must be approved by the Deputy Director for Administration."

Even if you ultimately choose not to accept any job offer from the NSA, it might be worthwhile to continue the process.

[jjackson]

Thanks for your response George,

Being that I haven't made any damaging admissions, would NSA dq me based only on polygraph charts, or would they just keep on calling me back indefinitely?  On all tests, I've had post-test.  The second and third were very light.  But the first and 4th were very intense interrogations.

[George W. Maschke]

I don't know for a fact whether the NSA rejects applicants based on polygraph charts alone, though I suspect it might in some cases.

As a side note, it is worth bearing in mind is that NSA polygraphers also read this message board. If your first initial is in fact "J." and your last name is "Jackson," then the NSA polygraph unit will no doubt have identified you. If you are indeed called back for a fifth polygraph session, you may well be asked about it. It is to be hoped that your having posted here will not result in retaliation against you.

[NSAreject]

Yes, NSA will reject on poly charts alone.  I was "invited"
back (if one can really say that) five times, in order to
pass my CI poly.  Whether they would put you into the
Intel-wide community database, solely on not passing
the polys, is questionable; if you admitted to
something significant they might put, "Do Not Clear".
The whole process is just a crap-shoot.

My last poly, the polygrapher asked me about visiting
anti-polygraph sites, and wanted to know what
usernames I had used.  He also pretended not to know
about counter-measures.  They may put the blood
pressure cuff on too tightly, but when they ask you if it
is too tight, tell them, "no";  otherwise, they may see it
as a sign of deception. You will get directions to the
FANX complex (the building with the green awnings);
they may instruct you to park at "cardiac hill",  but pay
five bucks and park at airport parking next door.  If
you park at "cardiac hill", finding a free spot is
impossible, plus you will have to walk a very long
dirt path next to a busy road (demeaning).  I would
highly recommend downloading the DODPI
interrogation handbook, just to prepare for the
various role-playing they will act out.   Also, you will most
likely be in a "fixed" chair, and they will be on a chair
with castor wheels; be prepared for them rolling their
chair over to get into your face.   During the interview,
listen to each question carefully, before answering it.  
My polygrapher said that I had admitted to looking at
porn, which I never had made such an admission.  They
are very good at this sort of tactic, trying to take you
off-guard.   Also, they will down-play all admissions,
except murder; don't believe it, for a minute.