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Ex-Generals Cash in as Gov't 'Mentors'

They collect millions... while also working for defense contractors

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2009 11:59 AM CST
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(Newser) – If you’re a general unhappy with your measly six-figure salary, just retire; the Pentagon will pay you millions to come back and consult, even if you’re also drawing a paycheck from a defense contractor. At least 158 retired admirals and generals are now on the Pentagon payroll as “senior mentors,” making $200 to $340 an hour—and 80% of them have financial ties to, and in some cases, better-paying gigs with, defense contractors as well, according to a USA Today investigation.

As outside consultants, the retirees aren’t subject to government ethics rules, meaning they needn’t tell the Pentagon or anyone else who they’re working for. “This setup invites abuse,” says one contracting expert. “Everyone in this story is fat and happy. Everyone, of course, except the public.” One Marine general acknowledges that the mentors probably use their inside edge to help their companies, but says it’s unavoidable, unless the military wants to hire “amateurs.”

Retired general Anthony Zinni speaks to reporters, Sunday Nov. 25, 2007 in Washington. Zinni is both a highly paid government defense consultant, and chairman of BAE Systems.
Retired general Anthony Zinni speaks to reporters, Sunday Nov. 25, 2007 in Washington. Zinni is both a highly paid government defense consultant, and chairman of BAE Systems.   (AP Photo/CBS News, Karin Cooper)
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Everyone in this story is fat and happy. Everyone, of course, except the public, which has virtually no way of knowing what's going on, much less holding these guys to account. - Janine Wedel, George Mason
public policy professor

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Kookey90
Nov 18, 2009 11:25 AM CST
No surprises here; this has been going for many years - remember the phrase "Beltway Bandit". The first thirteen job offers I received when I retired from the Army (I served for twenty-eight years) were from guy's that I'd served with, whom all became defense contractors in the D.C. area. Starting salary all in the six digit figures - I was not interested.
AndJusticeForAll
Nov 18, 2009 9:22 AM CST
Being retired and disabled from serving my country I spend a great deal of time watching television not only for entertainment but to stay well-informed. This issue of hauling already wealthy high-ranking military officers with more stars on their shoulders than our universe has plagued me for some time and now's the time the let all have it. To be fair there are some generals, admirals, colonels, etc. that have some words of wisdom, most are nothing but an extension of the warmongering mode that exists. Some have seen combat, some have seen little or none. "Colonel Jack" I call him would be leading the charge if allowed and would keep wars going on for eternity. I say pull him out of retirement and drop him in a hot LZ with the other "advisors" Replace them all instead with Non-Commissioned Officers who are not enjoying the comfort of the Pentagon and News Studios. But that won't happen because the world belongs to the affluent and powerful. Be seeing you.
tomodachi
Nov 18, 2009 7:30 AM CST
Is it any wonder that their opinion is probably tainted by the money they get from playing both sides of the table?
Politics • Money • US

 
Army contracts • conflict of interest • consultant • defense contractors • military officers

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