DNC Claims Tim Walz Achieved Command Sergeant Major Rank

Tim Walz, the former governor of Minnesota, has been the subject of scrutiny regarding his military rank upon retirement. While it is true that he was promoted to the rank of Command Sergeant Major (E-9), the context surrounding this promotion reveals a more complex story. Walz did not retire as a Command Sergeant Major; rather, he was demoted to Master Sergeant (E-8) just one day before his retirement due to his failure to complete the necessary requirements to maintain the higher rank. The Minnesota National Guard confirmed that Walz was promoted to Sergeant Major (E-9) on September 17, 2004, and began serving as the Command Sergeant Major for the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery. However, his promotion was short-lived, as he did not fulfill the coursework required by the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, leading to his administrative reduction in rank on May 15, 2005. Walz officially retired from the Minnesota National Guard on May 16, 2005. The timeline of his retirement request remains unclear, as all retirement requests must undergo a leadership review and approval process. The Minnesota National Guard's statement, released on August 13, 2024, emphasizes the importance of completing the necessary training to retain the rank of Command Sergeant Major, underscoring the significance of this distinction in military hierarchy.