By now I’m sure you’re all aware that Kamala Harris picked Minnesota gov Tim Walz to run as her VP. I’m also sure you have heard at least a little about his claims about his military service. Let’s wade into what he claimed/s and what is actually true.
We’ll start with his claims of being the highest ranking NCO to ever serve in congress. Walz claims to have been a Command Sergeant Major of the 1/124 FA. This is partially true. Walz was conditionally promoted to CSM in 2004. This was a common practice in the Guard at the time. Walz would have been required to complete the Sergeant Major Academy and fulfill his enlistment obligations. He never completed those requirements to keep the promotion however, and was demoted after separation. It is unclear at this time if Walz was simply frocked – that is allowed to wear the rank but not receive any of the pay/benefits – or if it was a regular promotion with conditions attached. Regardless, Walz’s retired rank is Master Sergeant.
Then there are questions about things he said concerning his time in the service. In several interviews and press releases, Walz intimates he served at least one combat tour. This is straight up false. Walz only overseas deployment was to Vincenza Italy. Walz now claims this deployment was in support of OEF. This may or may not be true. It is my understanding that none of the troops Walz unit was back-filling for went anywhere near a combat zone.
Finally there is the timing and circumstances surrounding his retirement from the Guard. The 1/124 FA was given a Warning Order of their impending deployment in early 2005. The NG PAO did a press release about the deployment on 17 Mar 2005. Walz congressional campaign used that release in one of their own, claiming Walz intended to deploy with his unit.
Walz somehow secured his retirement, despite having an additional 4 years on his contract in May 2005. I should note that it was common practice to stop-loss Guard units once a WARNORD for deployment dropped. This means Walz pulled some strings – ones regular soldiers couldn’t – to get out.
Walz now claims he retired to run for Congress, but that does not hold water. The NG Bureau regularly makes accommodations for member running for political office. Walz in particular was told on several occasions that his service would not interfere with his run for Congress. More, Walz himself said he would continue his campaign even if deployed.
I have a serious issue with the fact that Walz deserted his troops just before a deployment. It smacks of cowardice to me. To then lie about the circumstances of it all makes it even worse.
