US Air Force: 34 missile launch officers implicated in cheating scandal, others in drug probe

WASHINGTON – U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says 34 missile launch officers have been implicated in a cheating scandal and three others have been implicated in a drug probe, the latest missteps by those who maintain and operate the nation’s 450 nuclear missiles.

In all, the drug scandal encompasses 11 Air Force officers across six bases. Of the three missile launch officers involved in the drug scandal, two are at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and one is at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

James said those involved in the cheating scandal have lost their certification and nearly 200 missile crew members will retake the test.

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