Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Doug Julin has accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of circumventing the military chain of command to retire before his battalion's deployment to Iraq.
Walz is said to have known months in advance about the imminent deployment but chose to retire instead of fulfilling his duties, a move which has since led to controversy and scrutiny over his actions, as Breitbart reports.
Julin asserted that in late 2004, senior leaders, including himself, were informed of an upcoming deployment to Iraq within the year and to prepare accordingly. After meeting with Walz’s battalion before February 2005, Walz assured Julin he would lead his unit into Iraq.
By February 2005, Walz informed Julin that he had put in a bid to run for Congress but had not yet been selected or nominated.
During meetings in March and April 2005, Walz reiterated his commitment to lead his battalion into Iraq, despite his congressional ambitions.
However, come June 2005, Julin discovered that Walz was replaced by Command Sergeant Major Tom Behrends and had retired from his position, which he secured by bypassing the usual chain of command. Julin remarked that Walz went around him and sought approval from someone two levels higher, who should have directed Walz back to Julin for discussion of the move.
Julin emphasized that Walz circumvented proper military protocol in securing his retirement. According to Julin, the necessary deployment orders had not been issued at that time, but Walz was well aware of the impending deployment.
Despite repeated attempts, the Harris-Walz campaign has not responded to CNN's requests for comment.
Julin detailed that by going above and beyond normal procedures, Walz effectively circumvented his superior officers to secure retirement in what Julin termed a “backdoor process.” Julin’s concern stems from the notion that Walz had prior knowledge but chose to leave the military without fulfilling his duty to his battalion.
He is explicit in stating that, contrary to claims, Walz was aware he would be deployed to Iraq, even if official orders had yet to be issued.
Walz's actions have led to public scrutiny, raising questions about his choices during a critical period of his military career.
In sum, during the fall of 2004, notification of an upcoming deployment to Iraq was given to senior leaders, including Julin, accelerating preparatory actions for the battalions involved. By early 2005, conversations took place between Walz and Julin regarding Walz running for Congress, but it was made clear that he would still lead his battalion into Iraq.
Upon learning about Walz's retirement in mid-2005 and the manner it was obtained, Julin expressed discontent and raised concerns about the procedural integrity and Walz's ethical responsibilities to his unit.
