The U.S. Air Force unit responsible for overseeing the country’s nuclear missiles is facing a major cheating scandal amongst its ranks. At least 34 officers have lost their security clearances over allegations they helped each other cheat on a monthly proficiency exam last year. The entire force will also be subject to re-evaluations as a result. Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh announced the suspensions.

Gen. Mark Welsh: “Cheating or tolerating others who cheat runs counter to everything we believe in as a service. People at every level will be held accountable, if and where appropriate. We’ve decertified all 34 officers involved. They are restricted from missile crew duty. Their security clearances have been suspended. And the investigation into the level of their individual involvement will continue.”

The suspensions follow the firing of the head of the ICBM force, Air Force Major General Michael Carey, for intoxication and other inappropriate behavior while leading a delegation to nuclear security talks in Russia.