In early 2016, Tim Walz participated in a CSPAN panel discussing his opposition to President Barack Obama’s proposal to reduce overseas troop levels. During the introduction, the host inaccurately described Walz’s military service, stating he “enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17 and retired 24 years later as Command Sergeant Major,” and served in “Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.” Walz, in fact, served in Italy during that operation, not Afghanistan.
This misrepresentation is one of several instances where Walz’s military service has been inaccurately portrayed, leading to criticism from some Republicans. Since being selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Walz’s opponent, Sen. J.D. Vance, has accused him of “stolen valor,” a serious federal offence. Walz has defended his service, expressing pride in his military record during a recent campaign rally.
A news agency review of Walz’s past interviews, speeches, and campaign records indicates that inaccuracies about his service have occasionally gone uncorrected. These include claims of serving in Afghanistan and using a rank he didn’t retire with. For instance, in 2018, Walz claimed he carried “weapons of war ‘in war,’” which his campaign later clarified as a misspeak.
What did I think about JD Vance trashing Gov. Tim Walz and his military service…based on nothing but lies? If you’re easily offended, you best not listen. Otherwise, I spell it out clearly in this video. pic.twitter.com/1un6JRDnNY
— Jack Hopkins (@thejackhopkins) August 8, 2024
During the 2016 CSPAN interview, Walz mentioned that his “guard unit backfilled to Europe” and that his role involved ensuring troops and their families were cared for. However, these descriptions have sometimes left a murky impression of his service record.
A Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson highlighted Walz’s advocacy for military personnel and veterans, stating he would continue this work as Vice President. Opinions among those who served with Walz are divided. Thomas Behrends, who succeeded Walz as Command Sergeant Major, has criticized Walz for using a rank he didn’t retire with and for retiring before his battalion’s deployment to Iraq.
Walz has stated he retired in 2005 to run for Congress and wasn’t formally notified of deployment. National Guard records show his unit received an alert order two months after his retirement. However, Walz had acknowledged the possibility of deployment before his retirement, indicating a responsibility to prepare his battalion and serve if called upon.
Walz’s 2005 campaign website acknowledged the potential mobilization but didn’t specify if his unit would be involved. Despite the uncertainty, Walz committed to his congressional race, even if deployed.
Supporters like Allan Bonnifield, who served with Walz, recall his careful consideration before retiring. Bonnifield defended Walz, noting he retired before receiving an alert order and calling the criticism excessive.
Walz served as Command Sergeant Major from 2004 and was officially appointed in April 2005, shortly before retiring. Despite not meeting the conditions to retain the title in retirement, Walz referred to himself as a “retired command sergeant major” for years. Behrends and John Kolb, a former battalion commander, have criticized this usage, with Kolb stating Walz didn’t earn the rank or complete any assignment as an E9.
Walz’s campaign has acknowledged discrepancies in his service descriptions. A video from 2018 shows Walz discussing weapons of war, which his campaign later clarified. His congressional campaign website described him as “Command Sergeant Major Walz” who served overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, without specifying Italy.
Past criticism includes claims that Walz’s portrayal of his service misleads people into thinking he served in combat zones. Letters to local newspapers expressed disappointment and feeling misled by Walz’s campaign materials.
The Harris-Walz campaign has defended Walz, stating he would never undermine any American’s service and thanked Sen. Vance for his military service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Tim Walz serve in Afghanistan?
No, Walz served in Italy during Operation Enduring Freedom, not Afghanistan.
What rank did Tim Walz retire with?
Walz retired as a Sergeant Major, not as a Command Sergeant Major.
Has Tim Walz been accused of stolen valor?
Yes, Sen. J.D. Vance has accused him of stolen valor, but there’s no evidence he’s committed this crime.
Why did Tim Walz retire from the National Guard?
Walz retired in 2005 to run for Congress.
Did Walz face criticism for how he described his military service?
Yes, some have criticized Walz for leaving an inaccurate impression of his service.
