ACADEMY CODE TARNISHED

Feb. 1, 2001 - Former Air Force Academy Cadet Stephen D. Pouncey, who
pleaded guilty to distributing and using illegal drugs, not only ruined his
own military career but also may have shot down those of other cadets.

Pouncey, sentenced to 3 years at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort
Leavenworth, threw away a $275,000 education that most youngsters would
envy. Academy diplomas mark graduates as our best and brightest.

They have to be. Their chosen profession demands the utmost in
intelligence, personal honor and integrity. We place awesome trust in
military officers because they fight our wars for us.

Some may argue that the academy merely reflects society at large, but more
is demanded of future military officers. From day one, cadets must abide by
the Cadet Code of Honor: "We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate
among us anyone who does."

These strict injunctions reflect the fact that military officers must have
impeccable character if they are to lead in the unforgiving crucible of war.

Each member of a military unit must be absolutely certain that his or her
comrades will do their duty and not be in La-La Land when the stuff hits
the fan.

That officers at a missile silo, for example, might be high on drugs is a
frightening end-of-the-world scenario. (Pouncey admitted taking the
hallucinogen LSD, ecstasy, methamphetamines and cocaine and distributing
LSD and meth.)

Pouncey trashed the high standards set by his predecessors at the Academy,
some of whom paid in blood for the sake of honor. He also helped tarnish
nine other cadets who covered for him. Another cadet resigned and 12 more
are under investigation.

The scandal potentially could cost millions of dollars in wasted tuition
and training.

The Air Force should take appropriate action to keep the poison of the
streets away from this exemplary institution.