Air Force Academy leader seeks to end spy program

The Air Force Inspector General has been ordered to investigate the case of former Air Force Academy cadet Eric Thomas, who was expelled in April for actions Thomas said were part of his work as a confidential informant for the academy.

The academy’s top general, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, said Tuesday the academy will also try to eliminate the need for cadet confidential informants.

The Colorado Springs Gazette reported the Air Force employs a system of secret cadet informants to search out misconduct.

The newspaper reported earlier this month that informants are told to deceive classmates, professors and commanders while snapping photos, wearing recording devices and filing secret reports, despite an honor code that bars cadets from lying.