Since Tim Walz was named as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, his military service has been scrutinized, with Republicans questioning his time in the Army National Guard and his retirement.
Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard before retiring in 2005. He joined the Guard in April 1981, just after turning 17, and served in various roles including as an infantryman and field artillery cannoneer.
He continued his service with the Minnesota National Guard and retired just before his unit was mobilized to Iraq.
Critics argue that Walz retired to avoid deployment, even though he retired several months before the mobilization order.
Although Walz reached the rank of command sergeant major, his rank was lowered for benefits purposes after his retirement, and he did not complete all requirements for that promotion.
Ohio Senator JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, has accused Walz of “stolen valor” for leaving the service before his unit’s deployment. Vance has called Walz’s actions misleading.
The Harris campaign defends Walz, highlighting his 24 years of service and his work as a congressional advocate for veterans. They argue that the criticism is a distraction from other issues, such as unpopular policies.
