admiral under investigation for ‘free hugs,’ Twister games, margarita machine in office

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The military is investigating the president of the U.S. Naval War College amid allegations that he spent excessively, abused his hiring authority and otherwise behaved inappropriately, including keeping a margarita machine in his office.

Multiple current and former college employees told The Associated Press they have raised serious concerns for over a year about Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley’s conduct at the helm of the elite school that grooms future admirals and generals.

Dozens of emails and other documents obtained by the AP show the college has struggled to make payroll under Harley's leadership and spent about $725,000 annually on raises while facing an annual shortfall of $5 million or more.

Harley has also sent a series of emails to hundreds of students, faculty and staff that raised eyebrows, including offers of "free hugs" and games of Twister in his office.

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Harley said he could not discuss any investigation: "That's Navy business. But I think you'd be surprised to know that on any given day about 85 officers are under investigation," he said.

He declined Wednesday to answer a series of questions about additional allegations — including his use of a margarita machine — and sent a campus-wide email downplaying the complaints, saying they were from "a few individuals."

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