Pentagon may promote A.F. Academy official

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AP) — The Pentagon said Monday it wants to promote a top commander at the Air Force Academy — a born-again Christian who has been the subject of complaints that he improperly mixes religion with education.

The announcement about Brig. Gen. Johnny Weida came one day before the scheduled arrival of a task force investigating allegations that cadets were pressured to attend religious services, public prayers were held before official events and Jewish cadets were harassed and insulted at the Colorado Springs school.

Cadets, faculty and staff were sent e-mails Monday announcing the task force's visit and encouraging meetings with officials investigating complaints of religious intolerance. Investigators were expected to conduct interviews and focus groups starting Wednesday and to return to Washington at the end of the week.