In a notable development at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has found himself at the center of controversy regarding his use of Signal for discussing sensitive military operations, a move that contravenes established Pentagon policy. The situation intensified when one of Hegseth's closest aides, Colonel Ricky Buria, approached the Defense Department’s chief information officer, seeking an exception for Hegseth to continue using Signal without restrictions.

This inquiry, originating from Buria—a trusted aide who served under former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin—raised concerns among senior Pentagon officials about the appropriateness of such a request coming from a uniformed officer rather than a civilian. Weeks prior, Buria had already facilitated the setup of an additional desktop computer in Hegseth’s office to enable the use of Signal for personal communications, despite the office's secure status where cell phones are typically prohibited.

While the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency advises the use of Signal for highly targeted individuals, the Department of Defense (DoD) policy strictly prohibits Signal from accessing, transmitting, or processing non-public DoD information. Requests for exceptions must be submitted to the chief information officer, yet it remains unclear if Hegseth received such an exception or if he continues using Signal amid the unfolding controversy.

In response to inquiries from CNN, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the Secretary’s use of communication systems is classified, confirming that Hegseth has not used Signal on his government computer. However, Parnell refrained from commenting on the presence of a separate computer equipped with Signal in Hegseth's office.

Buria's career trajectory has been remarkable, transitioning from a junior military assistant under both Austin and Hegseth to a pivotal figure within Hegseth's inner circle. Recently, he submitted his retirement papers to the Marine Corps, marking a shift towards a senior civilian adviser role, with Hegseth reportedly considering him for the position of chief of staff.

This move is unconventional, given Buria's close work with Austin and the rapid reshuffling Hegseth undertook to eliminate other holdover military officials upon assuming office. Despite not being a general officer, Buria temporarily assumed the significant role of senior military assistant, a position that typically requires Senate confirmation.

Buria's influence has grown as Hegseth has narrowed his inner circle, becoming wary of leaks and internal dissent. Following the dismissal of senior advisers accused of leaking information, Hegseth now relies heavily on Buria, his wife Jennifer, and his lawyer for counsel. Buria's willingness to comply with Hegseth's demands and his proactive approach have further solidified his standing.

Under Austin, Buria maintained a low profile, responsible for routine tasks and rarely appearing in official photos. However, his role has evolved significantly under Hegseth, gaining access to Hegseth’s personal and government devices and participating actively in high-level meetings with foreign leaders. His newfound visibility was highlighted by his presence alongside Elon Musk during a recent Pentagon visit.

The shift in Buria’s responsibilities has drawn scrutiny regarding his readiness to serve as Hegseth's chief of staff, given his military background and lack of political experience. Concerns persist about his ability to navigate the complex political landscape and effectively engage with top military and government officials.

Despite these challenges, Buria’s ambition and strategic positioning within the Pentagon continue to be a subject of interest. As he transitions to a civilian advisory role, questions remain about the implications of his close alignment with Hegseth and the broader dynamics within the Department of Defense.