U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says the number of nuclear launch officers suspended in a cheating scandal has now climbed to 92.
James spoke at the Pentagon Thursday after touring bases from where nuclear missiles would be fired. Thirty-four officers had been suspended as of last week.
James said the officers allegedly cheated on their proficiency tests or failed to report cheating by others.
She said airmen told her that the need to get a perfect score on the test, on which promotions are based, has created a climate of stress and fear about the future and their careers.
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered both internal and independent investigations into the scandal.
The alleged cheating was discovered during a separate probe into charges of drug possession by officers at a Montana air force base .
James spoke at the Pentagon Thursday after touring bases from where nuclear missiles would be fired. Thirty-four officers had been suspended as of last week.
James said the officers allegedly cheated on their proficiency tests or failed to report cheating by others.
She said airmen told her that the need to get a perfect score on the test, on which promotions are based, has created a climate of stress and fear about the future and their careers.
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered both internal and independent investigations into the scandal.
The alleged cheating was discovered during a separate probe into charges of drug possession by officers at a Montana air force base .