Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s military record has come under renewed scrutiny following Vice President Kamala Harris’ announcement of Walz as her running mate.
Minnesota Gov. ‘s military record has come under renewed scrutiny following Vice President Kamala Harris’ announcement of on the Democratic ticket.
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. of Ohio, who is an Iraq War veteran, seized the opportunity to target his opponent’s military record, resurfacing claims about his deployments and his retirement from the guard.
Walz served honorably in both the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guards, earning medals and deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. But his final days of service have been called into question, centering on his rank and if he retired to avoid a 2005 deployment to Iraq.
A CBS News review of Walz’s military record and statements from the Minnesota Army National Guard show Walz achieved the rank of command sergeant major but was reduced in rank to master sergeant after retirement since he had not completed coursework for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
On Iraq, records show Walz had retired before his battalion was mobilized and deployed to Iraq. A 2005 statement from his website indicates Walz was initially prepared to deploy to Iraq amid his bid for Congress. CBS News has asked Walz for comment on when he decided to retire. A snapshot of Walz in the military
Walz retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery in 2005 after more than 24 years in service, the Minnesota Army National Guard told CBS News.
Walz first enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard in April 1981, serving as an infantry senior sergeant and administrative specialist. In 1996, Walz transferred to the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he first worked as a cannon crewmember and field artillery senior sergeant.
Minnesota National Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Kristen Augé told CBS News that Walz « held multiple positions within field artillery such as firing battery chief, operations sergeant, first sergeant, and culminated his career serving as the command sergeant major for the battalion. »
Walz earned several Army commendation and achievement medals during his more than 24 years of service.
Walz deployed in August 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Minnesota National Guard told CBS News the battalion supported security missions at various locations in Europe and Turkey. Walz was stationed at Vicenza, Italy, at the time and returned to Minnesota in April 2004. Controversy over a 2005 Iraq deployment
On Wednesday, Vance resurfaced claims that Walz retired from the National Guard to avoid deploying to Iraq.
« When the United States Marine Corps, when the United States of America, asked me to go to Iraq to serve my country I did it.
