More nuclear missile officers accused in cheating probe

The number of nuclear missile launch officers under investigation for allegations of cheating has nearly doubled, a U.S. military official said Tuesday.

On Jan. 15, the Air Force announced that 34 nuclear officers were under investigation for either cheating on tests or knowing about the cheating ring and not reporting it.

Air Force Reveals 34 Nuclear Officers Involved in Cheating Scandal

The Air Force’s nuclear force is once again drawing negative attention after 34 launch officers have been stripped of their authority to control and launch nuclear-armed  Minuteman III missiles because of their role in a cheating scandal at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.

Investigators became aware that cheating was taking place on a monthly proficiency test because of another investigation that has already implicated 11 junior officers in using illegal recreational drugs.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh revealed the cheating scandal in a hastily called Pentagon news conference.