WASHINGTON: The US Air Force said on Thursday that 92 nuclear missile officers are now implicated in a widening scandal over cheating on exams as officials cited “systemic problems” in the force.
In the latest setback for the troubled nuclear mission, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said she returned from a visit to missile bases believing the cheating was part of a broader morale problem among launch officers. “As the investigation has moved forward, we can now report there is a total of 92 crew members that have been identified as having some level of involvement,” James told a news conference.
“That means either participating in the cheating or knowing something about it and not standing up and reporting it,” she said.
Two weeks ago, officials said 34 officers were implicated at Malmstrom Air Force base in Montana.
The latest tally of 92 launch officers ensnared by the scandal represents about half of the total 190-member officer corps of the Montana base, and nearly 20 percent of the roughly 500 officers who run the missile force.
The mounting scandal, as well as other embarrassing incidents, have prompted commanders to put a hold on any promotions of senior officers in the nuclear mission, a defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
“They’re reviewing all of those (proposed promotions),” the official said.
While acknowledging serious questions about the working climate and leadership of the nuclear force, James reiterated the Pentagon’s stance that the destructive weapons were in safe, competent hands.
“I remain confident — and having gone there to our bases last week, even more confident — in the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the nuclear mission,” she said. (PTI)