Nuclear launch officers suspended for illegal narcotics

One in a list of recent bad news

The men suspended were stationed at the 341st Missile Wing in Montana.

Both were Air Force ICBM launch officers, meaning they had the power and expertise to fire America’s nuclear weapons.

Reuters points out this isn't the only embarrassment for the nuclear wing of the armed forces.

Timing was poor as well. AP says Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel was about to give a morale speech to another nuclear group when he was told of the suspensions.

The 341st failed an inspection in August. In April 19 members of another crew were decided to be unfit for duty, and at least twice guards were found to be sleeping with the door to their control centers wide open.

He went ahead with the speech telling those gathered “you are doing something of great importance. There is no room for error, none."

The investigation continues into the two men who were suspended.

More here.