Need help George! - CIA

[Mr_X]

I am currently going through the processing for the CIA. I was discharged some years back from the military. I received a "Personality Disorder" under Honorable conditions. Will the CIA disqualify me from this for further processing? I do not have a history for this, I did hold a security clearance while in. Should I openly tell them or have them find out later? I know that the DOD will probably disqualify me, but I am not sure. I could use the help George.

[George W. Maschke]

Mr X,

I'm no expert on CIA hiring policies, and I don't know for sure whether an eight-year-old "personality disorder" discharge will preclude you from employment with the Agency. But I suspect it will be highly prejudicial.

If you have a low tolerance for lies and deceit, you may wish to consider whether you're willing to submit to CIA polygraph interrogations. The polygraph is based on lies, and you can expect to be treated to this fraudulent ritual every five years if you are ultimately offered and accept CIA employment. See the CIA-related statements on the Personal Statements page for examples of the sort of treatment you may encounter.

[George W. Maschke]

I'm afraid I'm unable to offer you any advice in this regard.

[polyrized]

A personality disorder diagnosis will be looked upon as a 'suitability issue' and will have a strong and negative impact upon potential hiring.

If they really want you they might have their psychologists review the case and interview you personally - or, since they have lots of other applicants/recruits, just decide it isn't worth the time.

Military discharges for personality disorder are typically administrative in nature and reflect the person had personality problems which kept them from meeting their military commitment/obligation.  Such personality traits are considered to be ingrained and not subject to appreciable change over time.

[opp]

Mr X,

I don't know what the CIA policy is on personality disorder but it may hurt your chances. They may determine that if your personality was a problem in the military, it most certainly can be a problem for them. By the way, the DD214 was the first document the investigator asked me to present when I met with him. Try not to lie on the SF86 because the concequences can be severe. Good luck

Opp