WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force's nuclear missile corps faces new strains after dozens more officers were implicated in an investigation of cheating on missile-launch proficiency tests. The number implicated in the probe has roughly doubled from the original 34 officers, meaning that about 14 percent of all launch officers are now sidelined.

Officials on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 said the number of officers implicated now approaches 70 — all at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, which is responsible for 150 Minuteman 3 nuclear missiles, or one-third of the entire Minuteman 3 force.

The scandal is one aspect of a growing array of personnel problems facing the Air Force's nuclear missile corps.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says he wants to find quick solutions. He is hosting a meeting of top nuclear officials Wednesday at the Pentagon.

(Story by: Robert Burns, National Security Writer, The Associated Press, edited by WIBX)

 

 

More From WIBX 950