The number of officials in charge of US nuclear missiles who are also involved in a fraud scandal has doubled from 34 to nearly 70, reported the media today.
Most are stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, in Montana, where nearly 150 Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), are deployed, essential elements in the US strategic forces deterrent.
This means that more than 14 percent of all the military in the country in charge of these missiles are now the target of an inquiry by Pentagon special forces, an article from the Stars and Stripes newspaper noted today.
The Air Force Global Attack Command to which these units are subordinate, noted in a communiqué that all those involved have been suspended from their jobs until the investigation end.
This scandal is only part of the growing problems these units face, an aspect to be analyzed today at the Pentagon by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, with the main chiefs of the US nuclear units.
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James recognized last week that there are problems of fraud and drug use at various bases housing the Pentagon’s strategic nuclear missiles.
A confidential report leaked to the media in 2013 revealed that nearly twenty officials of the 91st Rocket Wing based at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, were removed from their posts after negative results during a launching exercise.(PL)