…the nuclear missile officers who “allegedly” cheated on their tests and achieved some of the lowest scores of the year?
Yes, that happened.
According to the Associated Press (AP):
Last summer, when dozens of nuclear missile officers allegedly cheated on exams, test scores were among the lowest of the year, according to Air Force records obtained by The Associated Press.
The number of nuclear missile officers who either “allegedly” cheated or failed to report the alleged cheating at Malmstrom AFB near Great Falls, Montana, is about 92.
Throw in a pickup truck and a dog and we’ll have all the ingredients for a great country song.
The AP had to ask the question, “Were they inept cheaters?”
The short answer appears to be yes.
But then the AP also reported this:
The Air Force has focused its investigation on Malmstrom, where officials say the cheating took place during late summer. Notably, in the months after the cheating allegedly ended, scores at Malmstrom improved dramatically.
The cheating scandal has provided fuel for those who wish to eliminate nuclear weapons.
According to reports, the Department of Defense is making plans to eliminate 50 missile silos, but I can see the Obama Administration trying to eliminate even more – maybe a whole missile base (or two).
Folks may remember that before he was President, Senator Obama, in 2007, proposed, “eliminating all nuclear weapons in the world, saying the United States should greatly reduce its stockpiles to lower the threat of nuclear terrorism.”
I think the cheating scandal will only help with that decision.
Meanwhile, Great Falls Tribune teen panelist Quincy Balius put it all in perspective with her column, which was published today (Feb. 24):
“These airmen also have set a bad example for the kids who take tests and write papers in classrooms everyday.” She added, “The airmen at Malmstrom need to realize the gravity of their actions. When thousands of people look up to you, you can’t sacrifice dignity for the sake of a grade on a test.”
Amen to that. Her column reminded me of the immortal words of the great coach, John Wooden:
“Never lie, never cheat, never steal.”
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The Western Word 
Yes but, so MUCH of the military is just repetitive BS. Let’s be clear about that. I wonder just how much of the so called “cheating” was just guys not wanting to waste time on unnecessary BS? I would hazard a guess that what they are accused of in no way affected their performance as missile officers. ‘Cause let’s face it, Jackie, you and I know that MUCH of the military training crappola is just nonsense.