Washington, D.C. — The Pentagon has quietly hired several conservative military veterans with large social media followings for civilian government positions while the same figures publicly promote Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s policies, according to The Washington Post.
Pentagon records reviewed by the newspaper showed retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness and retired Army Col. Kurt Schlichter with active government email accounts assigned to the office of Anthony Tata, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Retired Army Col. Thomas Anderson, who posts online as “Cynical Publius,” also previously appeared in Pentagon records.
None publicly disclosed the Pentagon roles while publishing commentary supportive of Hegseth and criticizing journalists, military officials and other administration opponents. The Pentagon declined to tell the Post whether they are paid, describe their duties or specify how long their assignments will last.
The men reportedly worked as special government employees or “highly qualified experts,” classifications that can allow temporary or specialized government service.
Maness, Schlichter and Anderson also participated in the Pentagon’s Senior Service College Task Force, which Hegseth established to examine military education for ideology he considers “toxic” or “woke.” The Defense Department publicly announced that task force in March but did not identify the three men as participants.
Another conservative online personality, Jennica Pounds, recently disclosed that she has worked as a Pentagon special government employee since July.
Sources
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