Moral Review

Spurred by a number of recent revelations of misconduct in the Navy and Air Force nuclear force, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is directing two broad moral and ethical personnel reviews of the military, one co-chaired by the Joint Staff, to get to the root of the problem.

Defense Department Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters at the Pentagon today that Hagel is "deeply troubled" by all of the allegations of cheating and misconduct as a potential symptom of a systemic problem. Kirby noted that Hagel sees this as a "growing problem" and broader than just the nuclear force.

"We don't fully know what we're grappling with here and how deep and serious it is," Kirby told reporters.

Hagel has asked that the work of one of the reviews be completed and recommendations be presented to him "within 60 days," Kirby said, noting that "he would certainly welcome the work sooner than that."

Retired Air Force Gen. Larry Welch, former Air Force chief of staff, and retired Adm. John Harvey, former U.S. Fleet Forces commander, will also be leading an independent review of the nuclear enterprise, Kirby added.

"They will offer their views on the quality and effectiveness of the action plan and will also provide their insights and recommendations on addressing any systemic problems in the nuclear force," he said.