Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s military history has been receiving attention following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket. Republicans are questioning both Walz’s account of his time in the military and his decision to retire. Walz served in various roles in the Army National Guard for 24 years before retiring in 2005, a move that has been criticized by Republicans during the campaign.
Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981 at the age of 17, initially as an infantryman. He later served in different units, including the Texas and Arkansas Army National Guard, and eventually transferred to the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1996. As he prepared for a congressional bid in 2005, despite the potential mobilization of soldiers to Iraq, Walz stated his intention to run. Shortly after, in May 2005, he retired from service.
Although Walz had left the military months before his unit was deployed to Iraq in 2006, Republicans have criticized his timing, suggesting he aimed to avoid deployment to a combat zone. At the time of his retirement, Walz held the rank of Command Sergeant Major, but post-retirement documents reduced his rank to Master Sergeant for benefits due to unfinished coursework required for promotion.
Ohio Senator JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran and Donald Trump’s running mate, has been among those questioning Walz’s military service. Vance labeled Walz’s departure before his unit’s deployment as “stolen valor garbage” during a campaign event in Michigan.
Responding to the GOP’s criticisms, the Harris campaign defended Walz’s military history, highlighting his advocacy for veterans while serving in the U.S. House. The campaign emphasized Walz’s 24 years of military service and his commitment to supporting veterans and military families.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a former Naval intelligence officer, criticized Republicans’ attacks on Walz as strategic, suggesting they were avoiding discussion of contentious policies by focusing on Walz’s retirement and promotion history. Buttigieg argued that the Trump campaign aimed to divert attention from topics like tax cuts for the wealthy and restrictions on abortion.
Information from Associated Press reporters Trenton Daniel and Richard Lardner contributed to this analysis.
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