The New York Times reported on Sunday that the Pentagon used retired senior military officers working as television "media analysts" to make its case for the US invasion in Iraq and maintain public support when it ran into trouble.

The report said many of the media analysts also worked as consultants or on boards of defense companies, potential conflicts of interest that were not often disclosed by their networks.

US television networks either would not comment or did not respond to requests for comment on the report.

Gates raised no objections to the Pentagon's use of the retired military officers when he was asked about in a question and answer session after a speech at Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

"I did read the article," Gates said. " And frankly, I couldn't quite tell how much of it was a political conflict of interest or a financial conflict of interest.

"The one service they owe everybody is making clear that they're speaking only for themselves," he said.

He said his main concern was that "when they are referred to by their title, the public doesn't know whether they are active duty or retired officers because those distinctions tend to get blurred."

A Pentagon spokesman defended the practice of giving the retired military analysts special briefings and talking points.

"These are very seasoned professionals. I find it insulting to them to suggest that they don't have independent views," said Bryan Whitman.

"News organizations have hired these individuals because of their experience, because of their credibility," he said. "They're requesting current information. That's what we're providing."

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