The Pentagon has quietly placed several conservative military veterans known for their substantial online followings into civilian roles within the Department of Defense, according to individuals familiar with the matter. These appointees have reportedly been tasked with advancing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s perspectives and countering critics of the previous Trump administration, sources said.

Among those assigned to these sensitive posts are Rob Maness, a retired Air Force colonel, and Kurt Schlichter, a retired Army colonel. Both maintain active official government email accounts and work within Hegseth’s office, according to Pentagon records reviewed recently. The individuals who spoke on the condition of anonymity emphasized the secrecy surrounding these hires, which contrasts with the Trump administration’s prior assertions that it had established the most transparent Defense Department in history.

The roles occupied by these conservative veterans extend beyond mere advisory capacities. Some have been placed in positions that could influence defense policy, experts indicated. However, the Defense Department has declined to disclose details about their specific duties or the scope of their responsibilities.

The military’s engagement with public influencers who promote political or ideological agendas is an uncommon practice, particularly when conducted without public disclosure. The recruitment of high-profile conservative veterans with large social media platforms to civilian positions raises questions about the potential impact on internal Defense Department policymaking and public messaging.

Pentagon officials have not provided comment on the appointments or their aims. The veterans themselves have also remained publicly silent regarding their government roles. Observers note that the installation of such figures appears linked directly to Secretary Hegseth’s effort to reshape the Defense Department’s cultural and political landscape.

The covert nature of these hires, combined with their focus on culture-war issues, has drawn scrutiny from officials and analysts concerned about transparency and the politicization of military institutions. The full extent of these individuals’ influence within the department remains unclear amid the ongoing lack of official disclosure.