FILE - In this May 1, 2014 file photo, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel speaks to reporters at the Pentagon. The Air Force is launching an ambitious campaign to repair flaws in its nuclear missile corps, whose recent training failures, security missteps, leadership lapses, morale problems and stunning breakdowns in discipline prompted Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to demand action to restore public confidence in the nuclear force. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) (The Associated Press)
WASHINGTON – The Air Force is launching an ambitious campaign to repair flaws in its nuclear missile corps.
The moves come after a string of recent training failures, security missteps, leadership lapses, morale problems and stunning breakdowns in discipline that prompted Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to demand action.
Air Force leaders are planning to offer bonus pay to missile force members, fill gaps in their ranks, offer a nuclear service medal and put more money into modernizing what in some respects has become a decrepit Minuteman 3 missile force that few airmen want to join and even fewer view as a career-enhancing mission.
The potential impact of these and other planned changes is unclear, although some analysts said they are encouraged by these initial steps.
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