New York Times editorial board: “If the Air Force cheating scandal disclosed last week were a singular event, it would be easier to accept Pentagon assurances that America’s nuclear deterrence and military readiness have not been compromised. But it is the latest in a series of breaches that have raised alarms about discipline and competency in the Air Force.”

“On Wednesday, the Air Force said that 34 officers responsible for launching land-based nuclear missiles were pulled off the job and their security clearances suspended for cheating, or failing to report cheating, on tests that assess their knowledge of how to operate and launch nuclear weapons. They are based at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, home to 150 Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles. The cheating was discovered during an investigation into illegal drug possession in which 11 officers, including two accused in the cheating scandal, were under suspicion.”