[veracious]

It _is_ possible that the base(s) they are on are trying to keep loyal USAians in these USAF positions. It _is_ possible that new elements of USAF have instituted a new test, to deliberately flunk many current and reasonable members in the current USAF missile force.

Perhaps the test is only given to these bases?
Do we even know what the test is about?
Is is some new _equal_opportunity_ test or a legitimate skills test?

Regardless, I sure there are _new_ elements w/i USAF who are eager to move their kind of people into crucial positions.
Winkitty-Wink...many are asleep; many are afraid; fear manifests in many different behaviors.

[RadiationRomeo]

I saw the story as it broke on the MSM. They were calling it a ‘proficiency exam’. I don’t know what they are calling it now. The cheating was passing answers by phone texting. If this is true then the punishment is warrented.

[OldMissileer]

Perhaps the test is only given to these bases? Do we even know what the test is about? Is is some new _equal_opportunity_ test or a legitimate skills test?

Missile Combat Crews have, as a minimum, three training days per month. The First is a full day of Emergency War Orders (EWO) training and testing. This is to make sure they remain competent in the procedures for receiving and processing the messages used for day to day and wartime operations, to include launch orders. The EWO test requires a minimum of 90% to pass and there is a fierce competition for people to maintain a long streak of 100% in testing.

The second training day consists of a Codes class and test and a weapons systems class and test.

Codes are hardware based items within the launch control system that ensures the systems cannot be hacked and verifies system integrity. The Weapons System test keeps the crews current on troubleshooting malfunctions and also updates any changed procedures within the system.

The third day is a six hour "ride" in the Missile Procedures Trainer (MPT). The MPT is an exact copy of a Launch Control Center and has a hidden control area where instructors can input malfunction scenarios so the crews can keep current on their procedures and to give them a view of malfunctions and other operational items that rarely or have never yet occurred so they know how to handle those situations. half of this trainer ride is EWO and the crews go through a ramp up to war and a launch scenario.

Remember, these occur every month and they crews must show very high competency on every one of these subjects or they are decertified and not allowed to pull Alerts at the real Launch Control Centers (a career ender).