An Air Force investigation into alleged drug use in its ranks has grown to include 10 officers at six different bases in the U.S. and Britain.
Nine lieutenants and one captain are now under investigation for illegal drug possession by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in Quantico, Va., said Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Brett Ashworth.
The young officers are based at: Edwards Air Force Base in California; Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana; Vandenberg Air Force Base in California; F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming; Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado; and RAF Lakenheath in England.
The investigation began with the two officers at Edwards Air Force Base and expanded based on the individuals' contact with others.
The two launch officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana are responsible for launching nuclear-armed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles. They have been suspended from their jobs and had their security clearances suspended as well.
The drug use in question involves synthetic marijuana (often called Spice) and Ecstasy.
