Critics Seize on Walz’s National Guard Exit to Attack His Military Record

John Kolb, a retired colonel from the Minnesota National Guard, recognized Tim Walz as an outstanding leader during his service. However, Kolb expressed surprise upon observing Walz’s transition from military service to political life.

Walz, who retired from the National Guard in 2005, did so shortly before his unit was scheduled to deploy for the Iraq War. During his campaign for Congress, Walz inaccurately represented his military rank at retirement, which raised eyebrows.

“That is not the behavior I would expect out of a senior noncommissioned officer,” Kolb commented in an interview.

As Walz has become the Democratic nominee for vice president, discussions about his military record are intensifying. Advocates have praised Walz for his dedication and 24 years of service in the National Guard, highlighting his rise through the ranks and honorable discharge.

“What I know about Tim Walz is he did his job diligently,” said retired Brig. Gen. Jeff Bertrang of the Minnesota National Guard. “He was responsible for his troops and ensured their welfare.”

Meanwhile, critics, particularly from the Republican camp, are leveraging feedback from military veterans as a focal point in their opposition to Walz and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. While some of this criticism, like Kolb’s, is relatively measured, other veterans have been more blunt in their remarks.

The effectiveness of the Republican attacks on Walz’s military history remains uncertain. His long-standing service contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, who received multiple deferments to avoid serving in Vietnam, one obtained through a medical letter claiming he suffered from bone spurs.

Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, served as a Marine Corps corporal, including six months as a military journalist in Iraq. Vance has notably led the charge against Walz.

For many Democrats, the critiques echo the tactics used against their 2004 presidential candidate, John Kerry, who faced similar questioning regarding his leadership in the Vietnam War, despite being a decorated veteran.

However, the current discontent is not solely about Walz’s military record; it’s also about how he has portrayed his military service and the circumstances of his retirement.

An analysis of Walz’s statements throughout his political career reveals a pattern of oscillating between precise and careless claims regarding his military background.

Supporters have dismissed these criticisms as politically charged attacks that undermine the sacrifices made by Walz and others in the armed forces. The Harris campaign shared a letter signed by hundreds of veterans and military family members condemning Vance’s remarks, linking them to past assertions that Trump has shown disdain for service members, a claim Trump has denied.

“After dedicating 24 years to military service, Governor Walz retired in 2005 and pursued a congressional campaign, advocating tirelessly for those in the military. As vice president, he will continue to support our veterans and their families,” the campaign stated.

In a recent address at the Democratic National Convention, Walz stated he had “proudly worn our nation’s uniform for 24 years,” but refrained from discussing his specific rank or circumstances surrounding his retirement, framing his service as a broader sense of contribution to the country.

While campaigning in 2006, Walz claimed to be a “retired command sergeant major.” Yet that assertion was inaccurate. Although Walz briefly held the command sergeant major position, he did not retire in that rank due to not completing the requisite coursework.

Rank holds significant weight in military culture. Command sergeant major, or E-9, is a highly respected position, serving not only as a mentor to enlisted troops but also acting as a trusted advisor to commanding officers. This level of distinction can convey a deep commitment to the unit, which is not easily overlooked by fellow service members.

Kolb emphasized that the distinction is crucial, stating, “The rank of command sergeant major is sacred. It’s rare.”

Walz’s tenure as command sergeant major lasted less than a year, as he transitioned upon retirement to the rank of master sergeant due to not fulfilling educational requirements for continued command sergeant major status.

After facing scrutiny regarding Walz’s military career, the Harris campaign adjusted Walz’s online biography for clarity, but his official biography still misrepresents his rank at retirement.

“He’s a retired master sergeant,” Kolb asserted, urging for accuracy in this representation.

Walz also faced backlash for claiming in a 2018 video that he “carried weapons of war,” which was seized upon by Vance to allege Walz had falsely represented himself in combat. When deployed, Walz and fellow Guard members were stationed in Italy, supporting broader operations.

In addition to the military-related issues, Walz is currently scrutinized for how he has discussed his family’s infertility challenges, which he has connected to political discussions surrounding in vitro fertilization.

Walz’s 24 years of service is undoubtedly significant by military standards, as he could have retired nearly three years earlier. The context of his retirement coinciding with political aspirations is also under examination.

In early 2005, Walz attended a political boot camp in Minnesota, gaining traction within the Democratic party, which soon recognized his potential for a congressional bid in the predominantly Republican 1st Congressional District.

Just as he was considering running for Congress, Walz’s battalion was alerted for a potential deployment to Iraq. Despite this, he committed to continuing his congressional campaign “whether I am in Minnesota or Iraq,” emphasizing his duty to both prepare his troops for deployment and pursue his political aspirations.

On May 16, 2005, Walz officially left the National Guard, a typical choice among senior enlisted soldiers during a time of heightened military activity.

However, some command sergeants, including one who outranked Walz, expressed surprise at his decision to leave without prior discussion, unveiling concerns about loyalty among ranks.

As political strains intensified, Walz’s military record was a focal point during his subsequent political campaigns. Questions about his military experience surfaced, and Walz continued to address these matters in various statements.

Despite the tensions and conflicting perspectives among fellow soldiers, Walz has managed to maintain his political momentum, winning an unexpected victory in the electoral landscape. However, the ongoing scrutiny remains a pivotal aspect of his candidacy.

Source: Associated Press