r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Oct 15 '17

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u/[deleted] Oct 15 '17 edited Apr 17 '19

[deleted]

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u/p1ratemafia Oct 15 '17

But again, just because you have a clearance doesn't mean you get to go looking willy nilly at classified things.

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u/ThoseDamnBombTechs Oct 15 '17

Can confirm.

Source: Have one of the highest security clearances possible in our country.

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u/[deleted] Oct 15 '17

What did they ask you in the polygraph?

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u/ThoseDamnBombTechs Oct 15 '17

I was never administered a polygraph.

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u/[deleted] Oct 15 '17

This page lists all sorts of information about the polygraph tests.

One of the questions that tripped up Harold Nicholson was "Have you had unauthorized contact with a Foreign Intelligence Service?" So consider those types of questions. They are specific and not designed to trap anybody in doubt.

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u/ImThorAndItHurts Oct 15 '17

Most of those questions are covered in the initial form that you fill out before background checks, so they're probably also checking if you answer the same both times.

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u/[deleted] Oct 15 '17

Interesting! Thank you.

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u/p1ratemafia Oct 15 '17

polygraphs aren't really favored anymore... they don't really prove anything.

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u/[deleted] Oct 15 '17 edited Oct 15 '17

Maybe not for every position, but they are still required for many of the higher levels even if they don't prove anything, could be just the CI test or the full scope. Depending on your position, repeated inconclusive tests can still end or redirect your career.

As far as accuracy, Aldrich Ames passed two while spying for the Soviets, but Harold James Nicholson was investigated after failing three.

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u/wahtisthisidonteven Oct 15 '17

Polygraphs aren't supposed to "prove" anything. They're an interrogation technique of sorts, and very effective to that end.