The Air Force Academy said Tuesday that it will expel 18 cadets who cheated on a military knowledge test and place 13 other cadets on probation, ending a cheating investigation that began in February.
Of 40 cadets investigated, 31 were found in violation of the cadet honor code, which says: “We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.”
Twenty-nine of the 40 cadets admitted cheating. Of five cadets who denied cheating, two were found guilty. All of the cadets investigated are freshmen.
The cheating occurred when cadets found answers to a military knowledge test on a social-networking website.
The quiz tests cadets’ understanding of the military, including famous quotes from generals, understanding of military aircraft and current events.
Johnny Whitaker, spokesman for the academy, said two boards determined the punishment for the cadets. He said some of the cadets who admitted cheating were still expelled.
After initially looking into cheating on the knowledge test, officials found that some cadets were cheating regularly, Whitaker said.
Those given six months of honor probation will have to keep a journal, write papers about honor, and meet regularly with a mentor.
“They will have to brief their squadron on what they did, how they did it and how they’re going to be a better person,” Whitaker said.
Staff writer Erin Emery can be reached at 719-522-1360 or eemery@denverpost.com.
