The Pentagon has quietly assigned several conservative military influencers to civilian roles within the Department of Defense, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter and government records reviewed. These individuals, all retired military officers turned commentators, hold email addresses marked with a “.civ” suffix, indicating civilian employment rather than active military or contractor status.
Among those identified are retired Army Colonels Greg Maness, Chad Schlichter, and Thomas Anderson. Maness and Schlichter each have significant followings on X, formerly known as Twitter, with more than 135,000 and nearly 620,000 followers respectively. Anderson, who writes under the pen name Cynical Publius and attracted over 320,000 followers, was previously listed with a civilian email assigned to the office of Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata, though he was no longer noted in the records by late last week.
The individuals appear to be designated either as “special government employees” (SGE) or “highly qualified experts” (HQE), classifications that allow them to serve in varying capacities under different legal frameworks. SGEs are restricted to 130 days of work within any 365-day period, while HQEs may serve full or part-time, potentially with or without compensation. The specific terms of the contracts, including salaries and start dates, have not been disclosed.
The roles undertaken by these influencers appear linked to the Pentagon’s ongoing efforts to review what it views as ideological concerns within the military. In May, Maness, Schlichter, and Anderson represented the Pentagon’s Senior Service College Task Force at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This task force, formed in the spring with a mission to identify and address “toxic” or “woke” ideology, has reportedly completed a report that has yet to be made public. During their visit, they engaged with students and faculty, surveying opinions on Pentagon leadership and reviewing course content, including communications training for officers interacting with Congress.
The increased presence of conservative commentators within the Pentagon’s outreach efforts coincides with broader cultural and political battles within the defense establishment. Undersecretary Tata’s office, where some of these individuals are assigned, has taken steps targeting what it describes as “woke” influences, including scrutiny of military education programs and reassessing COVID-19 vaccine mandates for troops.
These developments follow a recent controversy involving another special government employee, Jenica Pounds. Pounds, known online as DataRepublican, attracted attention this month after accusing a State Department official of attempting to entrap her into compromising government secrets. The official later revealed herself publicly and denied any wrongdoing. Pounds, who previously held a press credential for the Pentagon’s revamped press corps under Peter Hegseth—a former Fox News personality and Army National Guard officer overseeing Pentagon communications—disclosed she formally became a civilian employee in July.
The disclosure that several high-profile conservative influencers have been embedded within the Pentagon has stirred debate online. Critics, including former Republican Congressman and Air Force veteran Adam Kinzinger, have questioned the use of taxpayer funds to employ partisan voices and raised concerns about transparency. Supporters argue that such individuals provide valuable perspectives and that their limited government roles do not compromise journalistic independence or national security.
Several of the influencers involved have declined to comment or have provided limited responses regarding their Pentagon roles. Pentagon officials have refrained from explaining the nature, duration, or salaries associated with these appointments.
Other figures connected to the Pentagon’s conservative outreach include Jerry Dunleavy, a journalist with the conservative outlet Just the News, who has assisted with reviewing the Afghanistan withdrawal. Dunleavy’s involvement was publicly disclosed earlier this year. Additionally, John Konrad, a former U.S. Merchant Marine and maritime website founder, disclosed discussions about a Pentagon civilian role but said he was ultimately not integrated into the program.
The presence of military influencers within civilian defense roles comes amid ongoing efforts by the Pentagon leadership to reshape internal culture and communicate defense policies to broader audiences, reflecting an increasingly politicized environment within the defense establishment.