Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, finds himself at the center of controversy as questions arise about his military service record. The scrutiny comes at a crucial time as he teams up with Vice President Kamala Harris for campaign efforts. This unexpected turn of events has sparked debates about transparency and integrity in political leadership.
The dispute revolves around Walz’s retirement from the Army National Guard in 2005 and the circumstances surrounding it. As the story unfolds, it has an impact on the Harris-Walz campaign, raising concerns among supporters and opponents alike. The situation sheds light on the importance of accurate representation of military service in political careers and its potential consequences on public trust and electoral success.
Tim Walz’s Military Career Overview
Enlistment and Service Years
Tim Walz’s military journey began at the age of 17 when he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Following in his father’s footsteps, who had served during the Korean War era, Walz heeded his father’s advice to join the military. His service spanned over two decades, starting on April 8, 1981, and concluding on May 16, 2005. In 1996, Walz transferred to the Minnesota Army National Guard after relocating with his wife, Gwen.
Ranks and Positions Held
Throughout his military career, Walz held various positions and specialties:
- In Nebraska:
- Infantry senior sergeant (11Z)
- Administrative Specialist (71L)
- In Minnesota:
- Cannon crewmember (13B)
- Field artillery senior sergeant (13Z)
Walz progressed through several roles within field artillery, including:
- Firing battery chief
- Operations sergeant
- First sergeant
- Command sergeant major for the battalion
It’s worth noting that there’s some controversy surrounding Walz’s final rank. While Minnesota’s official website stated he retired as “Command Sergeant Major Walz” in 2005, the Minnesota National Guard clarified that he retired as a master sergeant. This discrepancy arose because Walz did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, which led to an automatic demotion as per Army regulations.
Deployments and Missions
Walz’s service included various activations and deployments:
- Domestic missions: He responded to forest fires, tornadoes, and flooding.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: In August 2003, Walz deployed in support of this operation. His battalion was tasked with security missions at various locations in Europe and Turkey. Specifically, Walz was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, returning to Minnesota in April 2004.
It’s important to note that there’s some debate about the nature of this deployment. Walz has described it as potentially involving artillery fire and backfilling other U.S. troops going to war. However, Thomas Behrends, a retired command sergeant major who was on the same deployment, stated that their mission was clearly defined from the beginning as assisting the Air Force in safeguarding airfields, rather than engaging in combat.
Throughout his service, Walz earned several Army commendations and achievement medals, reflecting his honorable service in both the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guards.
Controversy Surrounding the 2005 Retirement
Timeline of Events
The controversy surrounding Tim Walz’s retirement from the Army National Guard in 2005 has become a contentious issue in his political career. In early 2005, Walz’s unit, the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery, was preparing for a possible deployment to Iraq. On February 10, 2005, Walz officially filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for Congress. In March 2005, the National Guard announced a potential mobilization of approximately 2,000 Minnesota troops. Walz retired from the Minnesota National Guard on May 16, 2005, after 24 years of service. Two months later, on July 14, 2005, Walz’s former unit received an alert order for mobilization to Iraq.
Allegations of Avoiding Deployment
Critics, including fellow veterans, have accused Walz of retiring to avoid deployment to Iraq. Senator JD Vance of Ohio claimed that Walz “dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him”. Two retired Army veterans, Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr, posted an open letter in 2018 accusing Walz of “embellishing” his military career and abandoning his battalion ahead of the 2005 deployment. They alleged that Walz told other Army leaders he would be going to Iraq but later resigned his position to avoid a combat zone.
Walz’s Response to Criticism
Walz has consistently defended his decision to retire, stating that he left the Guard to run for Congress. He has emphasized his 24 years of military service and his role as a “tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform” during his time on the House Veterans Affairs committee. Walz has also questioned the political motivations behind some of the criticism, particularly after Thomas Behrends appeared at a campaign event for Walz’s 2022 Republican gubernatorial opponent.
Some of Walz’s fellow retired Guardsmen have come to his defense. Al Bonnifield, who served under Walz, described him as “a very caring person” and a “very good leader”. Joseph Eustice, who led the same battalion as Walz, called him “a great soldier” and speculated that some criticism might stem from personal grudges. Walz himself has stated that his record speaks for itself and that he weighed his decision carefully, considering where he could best serve soldiers, veterans, and the country.
Impact on Harris-Walz Campaign
Republican Attacks
The Harris-Walz campaign has faced intense scrutiny from Republican opponents, particularly regarding Tim Walz’s military service record. Ohio Senator JD Vance, a fellow veteran, has launched a series of attacks on Walz’s military career, accusing him of “stolen valor“. Vance claimed that Walz “dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him” when asked to serve in Iraq. These allegations resurfaced claims from 2018 when retired Army veterans Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr accused Walz of embellishing his military career and abandoning his battalion before a 2005 deployment to Iraq.
Democratic Defense
Democrats have rallied to defend the Harris-Walz ticket. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, an Army veteran, emphasized the importance of respecting those who have served, including both Vance and Walz. The Harris campaign has portrayed Walz as a “retired Command Sergeant Major” and a champion of the middle class. They argue that Walz’s background as a former high school teacher, football coach, and military veteran makes him an appealing political asset, particularly in battleground states.
Voter Perception
The impact of the controversy on voter perception remains mixed. Some voters, like Kristen Morris, a self-described “raging moderate,” view Walz as an “authentic, hardworking, principled guy” with an interesting blend of military and teaching experience. Others, like Remarcus Steele, see the choice of Walz as a cautious move by Harris to avoid potential backlash. The Harris-Walz ticket appears to have garnered support from both progressives and centrists within the Democratic Party. However, some voters, like Bob and Sharon Reed, remain unconvinced, with Sharon stating that the vice presidential pick wouldn’t have changed her vote. Overall, voters in Minnesota seem closely divided on the Harris-Walz ticket, with some praising their progressive agenda and others expressing concerns about their ideological leanings.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Tim Walz’s military record has had a significant impact on the Harris-Walz campaign, highlighting the importance of transparency in political leadership. The debate over Walz’s 2005 retirement from the Army National Guard and the allegations of avoiding deployment to Iraq has sparked discussions about integrity and accountability. This situation underscores the need for voters to carefully consider candidates’ backgrounds and the potential consequences of past decisions on public trust.
Looking ahead, the Harris-Walz ticket faces both challenges and opportunities in the upcoming election. While Republican attacks have put them on the defensive, Democratic support and Walz’s diverse background as a veteran and educator could appeal to a wide range of voters. In the end, the impact of this controversy on the campaign’s success will depend on how effectively they address these concerns and connect with voters on key issues.
FAQs
What rank did Tim Walz achieve in the military?
Tim Walz attained the rank of command master sergeant during his military career. However, he officially retired as a master sergeant, which is one rank below command sergeant major. This was due to his not completing additional coursework at the US Army Sergeants Major Academy, as stated by the Guard.
What prompted Tim Walz to retire from the army?
Tim Walz decided to retire from the army to pursue a political career by running for Congress. He expressed concerns about the feasibility of serving in the military while simultaneously engaging in a political campaign, as per his interview with a historian from the Library of Congress.
Did Tim Walz retire as a command sergeant major?
Official biographies on the Minnesota government website and Vice President Kamala Harris’ website refer to Tim Walz as a “retired Command Sergeant Major.” This title reflects his highest achieved rank before his retirement.
Did JD Vance participate in combat during his military service?
JD Vance, who is now a US senator from Ohio, served in Iraq in 2005 as a military journalist. Despite his designation as a combat correspondent, he did not engage in actual combat during his deployment.