US Nuclear Airmen Plead Guilty to False Statements in Shooting Incident That Led to M18 Pistol Suspension

Two members of the U.S. Air Force’s nuclear security forces have pleaded guilty to making false statements following a shooting incident that temporarily halted the use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols across multiple military branches.

The incident, which occurred in May 2023 at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, involved Airmen 1st Class Christopher Scheive and Stetson Sannes, both assigned to the 91st Security Forces Group. This unit is responsible for protecting nuclear missile facilities that house intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads.

According to court records, both airmen admitted to providing false information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Scheive pleaded guilty to making a false official statement, while Sannes pleaded guilty to charges of disobeying a superior commissioned officer and making a false official statement.

The shooting prompted an immediate suspension of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol across Air Force Global Strike Command, which oversees the nation’s nuclear missile and bomber forces. The temporary ban was later expanded to include several other military branches, affecting thousands of service members who rely on the sidearm for daily operations.

Military officials initially suspected a potential mechanical failure with the M18 pistol, a concern that reverberated throughout the defense community. The M18 is part of the Modular Handgun System that was adopted in 2017 to replace the aging Beretta M9, which had been in service since the 1980s. The Defense Department awarded Sig Sauer a contract worth up to $580 million for the weapons, making any potential defect a significant issue for military readiness.

After extensive investigation, however, the military determined that the incident was not caused by a weapon malfunction but rather by improper handling. This finding led to the reinstatement of the M18 pistol for active duty use across all affected service branches.

The incident highlights the stringent safety protocols surrounding America’s nuclear arsenal and the serious consequences for personnel who fail to adhere to established procedures. Nuclear security forces undergo rigorous training and are held to exceptionally high standards due to the catastrophic potential of the weapons systems they protect.

“The integrity of our nuclear security operations depends on absolute adherence to protocols and complete honesty in reporting,” said a defense analyst familiar with nuclear security procedures. “False statements in this environment aren’t just disciplinary issues—they potentially impact national security.”

The 91st Security Forces Group at Minot Air Force Base is part of a broader network of units tasked with safeguarding America’s nuclear triad—the three-pronged approach to nuclear deterrence consisting of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers. The base houses approximately 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles across a 8,500-square-mile area.

The Sig Sauer M18 is the compact variant of the M17 pistol and features a 3.9-inch barrel. The pistol was chosen for military service due to its modularity, reliability, and improved accuracy over previous service weapons. The modular design allows for different grip sizes and configurations to accommodate various hand sizes and mission requirements.

Military justice proceedings for violations like those committed by Scheive and Sannes typically result in a range of potential consequences, including reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, restrictions, extra duties, and in some cases, discharge from military service. The specific sentences for the two airmen have not been publicly disclosed.

This case underscores the critical importance of weapon safety in military environments, particularly in units responsible for nuclear security operations. It also demonstrates how human factors, rather than equipment failures, often contribute to safety incidents in high-stakes military environments.

The Air Force has since implemented additional training requirements for personnel handling the M18 pistol, reinforcing proper safety procedures and emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting in all circumstances related to weapons handling and discharge.