The recent addition of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 ticket has sparked a fierce political debate over the accuracy of his military service claims.
According to Fox News, Questions regarding Gov. Walz’s military representation led to content alterations on the Harris campaign website.
The controversy surrounding Gov. Walz began after the Harris campaign adjusted his military title on their website. The description originally labeled him a "retired Command Sergeant Major" but was changed to "served as a command sergeant major."
This alteration comes amid accusations from Republican figures, prominently JD Vance, who accuse Walz of inflating his military accomplishments.
JD Vance, a vocal critic, has taken a strong stance against Walz. "Do not pretend to be something that you’re not," Vance admonished, suggesting Walz misrepresented his military service.
Gov. Walz served nearly 25 years in the National Guard, with his last assignment sending him to Europe. Despite his claims of acting as a command sergeant major during his service, he retired with the rank of master sergeant due to incomplete coursework required for the higher title.
Army Lt. Col. Ryan Rossman shed light on the specifics: "He was technically a command sergeant major when he deployed to Europe with his battalion but to retire as a CSM, you have to go through a final course, which he had not completed."
According to JD Vance, Gov. Walz's military record and its use in political narratives, particularly gun control, are questionable. Vance argues that Walz has leveraged his supposed military experiences to push for legislative changes without a legitimate basis.
Vance said, "He said, 'We shouldn't allow weapons that I used in war to be on America's streets.' Well, I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? What was this weapon that you carried into war, given that you abandoned your unit right before they went to Iraq? And he has not spent a day in a combat zone?"
The Harris campaign has responded vigorously to the criticism, emphasizing Gov. Walz’s substantial military service and his legislative efforts supporting veterans. “After 24 years of military service, Governor Walz retired in 2005 and ran for Congress, where he chaired Veterans Affairs and was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform,” the campaign stated.
The campaign trail event in Philadelphia marked the first joint appearance of Harris and Walz following the announcement of their partnership. This event also served as a focal point for heightened scrutiny and political attacks.
In addition, JD Vance criticized Walz by highlighting an alleged instance where Walz opted out of service during the Iraq War, presenting it as a significant lapse in duty. “When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him,” Vance accused.
As a result, the discourse surrounding Walz’s military record is likely to remain a contentious issue as the 2024 election draws nearer. Each party continues to fortify their positions, with Republicans aiming to cast doubt on Walz's integrity, while the Harris campaign defends his record and highlights his commitment to veterans. This issue underscores the broader political strategies at play as each side seeks to strengthen their electoral prospects.
