WASHINGTON — Allies of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are mounting an internal campaign to make Sean Parnell the next secretary of the Army, a move that would place Hegseth’s preferred aides in both of the service’s top civilian and military posts, according to a defense official and an administration official. Parnell, an Army combat veteran and former Pennsylvania congressional candidate, serves as Hegseth’s spokesperson. Administration officials are also weighing Army Comptroller Marc Andersen and Assistant Secretary for Special Operations Derrick Anderson, the officials said. The campaign for Parnell comes during a period of significant turnover at the Pentagon. Hegseth removed Gen. Randy George, the Army’s top uniformed leader, in April and replaced him with Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who previously served as Hegseth’s military adviser. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned in August amid concerns about the Pentagon’s direction. “Everyone in the Pentagon knows that Secretary Hegseth’s preferred pick for secretary of the Army is Sean Parnell,” a defense official said. The official characterized Andersen and Anderson as officials seeking to raise their profiles before leaving the administration. Parnell’s nomination could face a difficult path in the Senate. His lack of experience working inside the Pentagon and questions surrounding his past are likely to draw scrutiny during the confirmation process. No final decision had been announced as of Sept. 14. The Army secretary oversees the service’s civilian administration, including its budget, personnel and readiness priorities. The position would give Parnell a central role in shaping Army policy at a time when Hegseth has asserted greater control over senior military leadership and the Pentagon is undergoing a broader political and organizational realignment.