Tim Walz is facing increasing scrutiny regarding the timing of his military retirement just as his political future heats up.
Four veterans from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's former military unit have come forward with claims that challenge his account of his retirement from the National Guard.
According to the Washington Examiner, these veterans assert that Walz was aware of an impending deployment to Iraq before he decided to retire and run for Congress in 2005.
The controversy surrounding Walz's military service has gained renewed attention since his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 election. The veterans' statements raise questions about the timing and motivations behind Walz's departure from the military, potentially impacting his political narrative.
Tom Behrends, one of the veterans from Walz's unit, spoke to journalist Megyn Kelly about the situation. He stated that Walz's campaign had announced his intention to run for Congress in March 2005 despite allegedly having prior knowledge of the unit's upcoming deployment. Behrends suggested that senior leadership typically receives classified information about deployments well in advance.
Another veteran, Paul Herr, provided details about Walz's discharge documents. He noted that Walz was "conditionally promoted" to sergeant major on May 1, 2005, but retired just two weeks later on May 16. Herr pointed out the possibility that Walz may have held this rank for a minimal period, potentially even "zero days," depending on the drill schedule during that brief window.
The veterans' testimonies paint a picture of Walz potentially leaving the military to avoid deployment, a claim that contrasts with his public statements about his service and retirement.
Walz has faced additional scrutiny regarding his military rank claims on the 2024 campaign trail. He has referred to himself as a retired command sergeant major, but some argue that he did not fulfill the necessary requirements for this position. Upon his departure, Walz reportedly reverted to the rank of master sergeant for benefits purposes.
Paul Herr provided insight into Walz's discharge documents, highlighting the conditional nature of his promotion and the short timeframe between promotion and retirement. This information has led to questions about the accuracy of Walz's statements regarding his military rank and accomplishments.
Both Herr and Behrends expressed strong criticism of Walz's departure from the military. Herr went as far as calling Walz a "coward" for taking "the path of least resistance," while Behrends described Walz's exit as "slithering" out of his military obligations.
The controversy surrounding Walz's military service has become a point of contention in the 2024 election campaign. Senator J.D. Vance, who is a running mate of former President Donald Trump, has been vocal in his criticism of Walz. Vance, a Marine veteran, contrasted his own service with Walz's, stating that he "did go to Iraq when my country asked me."
Despite the ongoing controversy, recent polling data indicates that Walz maintains a higher favorable rating (44%) compared to Vance (32%). The two vice presidential candidates are scheduled to face off in a debate on October 1, 2024, which may provide an opportunity for these issues to be addressed directly.
The allegations from Walz's former unit members have added a new dimension to the 2024 vice presidential race. The claims challenge Walz's narrative about his military service and retirement, potentially impacting voter perceptions. As the election approaches, the controversy surrounding Walz's military record is likely to remain a topic of discussion, with the upcoming vice-presidential debate potentially serving as a crucial moment for both candidates to address these issues.
