34 Air Force Members Working with Nukes Implicated in Cheating Scandal

Connected to job proficiency tests

A drug investigation of officers at six Air Force bases, including two that operate nuclear missiles, has been widened to include allegations of cheating on certification tests, defense officials said Wednesday.

The officials said the cheating probe involves missile launch control officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. One official said it includes about 37 people. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the expansion of the probe on the record before it was announced.

They said the cheating allegations revolve around routine tests the service members have to take to insure their job proficiency. They said information about the possible cheating emerged from the ongoing probe into drug use at several bases.