January 24, 2014
By Kate Brannen
TIME FOR A REVIEW — U.S. NUCLEAR FORCES UNDER SCRUTINY, via POLITICO’s Philip Ewing: “Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a full review of the Pentagon’s nuclear mission — the second in six years — in response to the alleged cheating and drug rings inside the Air Force’s ballistic missile units.
“Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said Thursday that Hagel had talked with the top leaders of the Air Force and Strategic Command following their recent visits to the Air Force’s missile bases and concluded that the Department of Defense needed to take another close look, with a focus on the units’ personnel.” http://politi.co/1eHvhyC
KIRBY CREDITS AP FOR ITS COVERAGE: At yesterday’s press briefing, Kirby was asked what caused Hagel to finally decide that a review of this scale is needed.
“There wasn’t one tripwire here. I think it’s just been a growing concern on his mind. And, look, frankly, I mean, he’s been following the coverage, particularly by The Associated Press, and I think that also has made an impact on his thinking. There’s no question about that,” Kirby said.
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