In the past quarter century, Russia and the U.S. each have come close twice to launching nuclear missiles like this Russian ICBM to counter a perceived attack. Photo credit: © WGBH Educational Foundation
17 Air Force Officers Stripped Of Authority To Launch Nuclear Missiles -- CNN
Washington (CNN) -- In an unprecedented action, an Air Force commander has stripped 17 of his officers of their authority to control and launch nuclear missiles.
The 17 are being sent to undergo 60 to 90 days of intensive refresher training on how to do their jobs. The action comes after their unit performed poorly on an inspection and one officer was investigated for potential compromise of nuclear launch codes, according to Lt. Col. John Dorrian, an Air Force spokesman.
The story was first reported by The Associated Press.
The action was taken by the deputy commander of the 91st Operations Group, Lt. Col. Jay Folds, whose officers run launch control centers for the Minuteman III nuclear missiles from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
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More News On 17 U.S. Air Force Officers Stripped Of Authority To Launch Nuclear Missiles
Air Force sidelines 17 ICBM launch officers; commander cites ‘rot’ within system -- Washington Post/AP
Air Force strips 17 officers of power to launch nuclear missiles -- Washington Times
Air Force benches 17 missile officers, nuclear expert cites malaise in the branch -- Best Defense/Foreign Policy
An Air Force Unit Controlling Our Nuclear Weapons Is Filled with 'Rot' -- The Atlantic
US Air Force stripped 17 officers controlling intercontinental nuclear missiles -- Voice of Russia
No Biggie, But Our Nuclear Missile Launch Teams Are Incompetent -- Gawker