Are NSA Language Analyst required to Poly or not?

[footballfan]

I wanted to know if NSA language analysts are required to take a polygraph before coming on duty?

[George W. Maschke]

Yes:

https://www.nsa.gov/psp/applyonline/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE&Action=A&SiteId=1

Job Description

Job Title: Language Analyst
Job ID: 11473
Location: Fort George G. Meade, MD
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Responsibilities

As an NSA Language Analyst, you will be involved in activities that focus on research, translation, transcription, reporting, and analysis of materials of national concern. You will be involved in projects that have global ramifications. We are particularly interested in those individuals who are proficient in Asian or Middle Eastern languages. Although the Agency's language requirements may change at any time, we are currently hiring people with the following language skills:

Arabic    
Chinese
Pashto
Persian-Farsi
Russian
Turkish
Urdu/Punjabi
Other languages of Sub-Saharan Africa

NSA Language Analysts can have a powerful impact in providing the fullest and most accurate Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) picture to U.S. policymakers, military commanders, and Intelligence Community members. Working directly with the original written or spoken language, the Language Analyst is the first person to determine the relevance of, to analyze, and to put into context the intelligence collected. It's a tremendous responsibility, but one which is extremely satisfying.

As a Language Analyst at NSA, you will continue to develop your language abilities and you will learn new skills. For example, you may be called upon to further your understanding of a culture in which a certain language is spoken, expanding your horizons more than a comparable career in business, commerce, or academia normally would.

Let's talk about your advancement potential. As an NSA Language Analyst you may take on additional research and reporting responsibilities; apply for field assignments abroad; elect to teach at our National Cryptologic School using live language broadcasting via SCOLA (Satellite Communications for Learning Association); and learn new languages at our National Cryptologic School or through reimbursed language courses at prestigious local colleges and universities.

The NSA advantages are important work, real-world impact, strong growth potential, and the world's best language resources. Depending on the language skills you possess and mission needs, you may be offered a position in Maryland, Hawaii, Georgia, or Texas.

Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

[footballfan]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know if they take the Counter Intelligence or lifestyle polygraph?

[Aleksandr]

What to expect to see on that test and how to prepare  for it?

[George W. Maschke]

What to expect to see on that test and how to prepare  for it?

The NSA's standard polygraph technique is the relevant/irrelevant test. You'll find this procedure described in Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (1 mb PDF). Perhaps the most helpful thing you could do to prepare for it, apart from understanding the procedure, is to review the "behavioral countermeasures" that you'll find in Chapter 4.

In addition, see my commentary on the NSA polygraph unit's public relations video, which may be shown to you prior to your polgyraph:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93_FDeMENN4

[Aleksandr]

Thank you for reply

[itookthetest]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know if they take the Counter Intelligence or lifestyle polygraph?

Both.  It's what's called a fullscope polygraph.  There's the CI portion and LS portion.

ETA:  Just noticed the post I quoted and responded to is 2 years old.