Story by the Associated Press; curated by Oliver Darcy.
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is ordering top-to-bottom changes in how the U.S. nuclear force is operated and managed. The changes come as a result of a series of Associated Press stories that revealed problems in management and morale in the people who control the world's deadliest weapons.
WASHINGTON (@AP) — Hagel to order overhaul of nuke force management; 4-star general to head nuclear Air Force.
— TheBlazeNOW (@TheBlazeNOW) November 14, 2014
Two senior defense officials said the changes are aimed at fixing problems a lengthy study found are rooted in weak leadership. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity before Hagel's Friday announcement.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel listens as testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, before the House Armed Services committee hearing on the Islamic State group. Hagel sports a bandage on his cheek after a kitchen mishap earlier thus week. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Hagel ordered two reviews, which resulted in a long list of recommended corrective actions. Among them: invest billions in upgrades to the support systems that are meant to keep the weapons ready and reliable.
He also authorized the Air Force to put a four-star general in charge of its nuclear forces.
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