Possible upcoming CIA poly

[patrioteagle]

I may be offered a job as a CIA Analyst and have some questions about the polygraph.

1) Since I visited this site and read TLBTLD and know how to employ countermeasures, and I admit to it before the poly, does that mean I automatically flunk?

2) If you disclose prior mj use (seven times several years ago) during the background forms, how much do they probe you and interrogate you about it?

3) What types of questions do they ask about prior sexual activity?  I've read the memoirs of some applicants and they said they were really embarrassed about some of the questions they were asked and some have even been turned in and accused of being pedophiles!!!  That's scary.   I'm certainly not, but this line of questioning sounds really intimidating to someone not expecting it.  

[George W. Maschke]

1) Since I visited this site and read TLBTLD and know how to employ countermeasures, and I admit to it before the poly, does that mean I automatically flunk?

Neither the CIA, nor any other federal agency, has publicly articulated how it will deal with applicants or employees who are honest enough to admit to knowing about polygraph procedure and countermeasures. But the CIA's treatment of applicant Maureen Lenihan, mentioned at p. 124 of the 3rd edition of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector is instructive.

2) If you disclose prior mj use (seven times several years ago) during the background forms, how much do they probe you and interrogate you about it?

Although I have no firsthand knowledge, I expect that you'll be questioned at length regarding all salient details of your past drug use.

3) What types of questions do they ask about prior sexual activity?  I've read the memoirs of some applicants and they said they were really embarrassed about some of the questions they were asked and some have even been turned in and accused of being pedophiles!!!  That's scary.   I'm certainly not, but this line of questioning sounds really intimidating to someone not expecting it.  

Examples of the kinds of questions regarding sexual activity that CIA polygraphers may ask are provided in Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (beginning at p. 91 of the 3rd edition). See also the public statement of No Such Author. Whether or not you are ultimately hired by the CIA, your answers to such questions will become the property of the U.S. Government. I think it would be prudent to consider how intimate a relationship you are willing to have with our government before you proceed further.

[patrioteagle]

I understand your message.

Quite scary.  It would be one thing if it were one of those things like "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas", but the polygraphers turn you in.

I have nothing to hide, but just the thought of embarrassing questions and having to answer them makes me sick to my stomach.

[False +]

patrioteagle,

I have first-hand experience with the question you are dealing with at the moment, as detailed ad nauseam in my personal statement on this website. I absolutely concur with George that you will be vigorously interrogated at length regarding the drug use you report.

To give you a synopsis of my experience with my CIA polygraph .. I admitted to my small use of marijuana a few months prior to my polygraph. I wound up spending something like 5 hours at the polygraph office arguing with them that my only drug use was my reported one-time marijuana experience. Further, my polygraph was a "specific-issue" polygraph about this drug use, not a "full-scope" polygraph screen. So you can imagine how in a full scope polygraph this phenomenon can snowball...

False +

[Ruckover]

Prior to the poly, I was asked what research I had done on the procedure.  I acknowledged that I had done very little research and believed that it must be accurate, otherwise they wouldn't use it.  I was never asked any questions about my "research" during the actual examination, therefore I was never deceptive during the test.  

I avoided reading anything about CMs because I wanted to try to pass without them (as I intended on being completely honest).  

My exam was finished in just over 2 hours and I was informed that I had passed.  

[Ruckover]

I have nothing to hide, but just the thought of embarrassing questions and having to answer them makes me sick to my stomach.

I was not asked any question that slightly bordered on embarassing (during the poly that is - the psych exam questions were a little more personnally sensitive in nature).  It was all very business-like and relevant to the position.  I don't know if that's true for everyone, however.

[anxietyguy]

I was not asked any question that slightly bordered on embarassing (during the poly that is - the psych exam questions were a little more personnally sensitive in nature).  It was all very business-like and relevant to the position.  I don't know if that's true for everyone, however.

Well I can tell you I was asked specifically about my sexual tendencies for a police officer position. Invasion of privacy at the very least. Some would argue relevant to the position,but is nothing sacred? Some polygraphers at least are not as invasive, others tend to play God.

[patrioteagle]

None of it matters for me since I received the rejection letter.  I guess I'm a little relieved since I believe that the process is very stressful and very rigorous.  Good luck to everyone that wants to work for the CIA.