But didn't they say that they brought over only journalists who are critical of the operation?

They seem to be intent on showing the Japanese public that, 'even our strongest detractors aren't able to find fault with what we've been up to since we pushed back the invasion and took control of the gate.' Very similar to the move where the member of the Diet that interviewed Itami and the girls was chosen from the most vocal of the opposition.

The featured journalist wants to show them lazing around wasting money on this boondoggle or even doing inappropriate things, but between the harsh rules about fraternizing with beastgirls or empire citizens and the imminent need for another operation defending the empire's citizens from their own rulers, he will be forced to show that they're only doing noble things...exactly what the Defense Ministry wants.

If that's the case, choosing her seems to be a very calculated move. She's suffered incredibly, is a civilian, can't be sent back home yet, and will be interfacing with the JSDF's harshest critics. It gives her something to do, as well as being a hidden Special Interest Story for anyone who asks why she's here.