The U.S. Defense Department says that retired military officers serving as "senior mentors" face new regulations to prevent conflicts of interest.
 
USA Today reports that a fact sheet was released by the department on Thursday on the changes, which take effect over the next three months. The rule changes follow a USA Today investigation of retired generals and admirals serving as both "senior mentors" and consultants to defense contractors.

Tighter rules will allow the military to balance using the experience of high-level retirees "with the need to hire such experts in a manner that promotes public trust and confidence", the fact sheet sent to members of Congress said.  

The changes extend federal conflict of interest laws and regulations to mentors. They had not been subject to them because they are private contractors, not government employees.  (With Inputs from Agencies)