Missileer Faces Court Martial

Capt. Paul Borowiecki, an officer with the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., who is accused of stealing a small-sized missile launch control device for a souvenir, will face a court-martial. The Associated Press news service reported Dec. 10 (via the Grand Forks Herald) that Borowiecki is charged with dereliction of duty, making false official statements, wrongful appropriation of military property, and mishandling classified items in violation of federal law. If convicted, he could lose his commission and face a prison term. Borowiecki, who as part of a Minuteman III launch crew in July 2005, kept the domino-sized device rather than destroying it, as required, at the conclusion of his shift. He admitted to the theft in May. A trial date and location have not been set, according to AP. Another officer remains under investigation for a second launch control device that remains missing. In August, three other Minot missileers were reprimanded and decertified from missile operations after they fell asleep in a crew rest area while classified launch code devices were still in their possession.