Tim Walz Retired Knowing His Battalion Might Go to Iraq

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, has come under scrutiny for his decision to retire from the National Guard just as his battalion was being considered for deployment to Iraq. According to an archived campaign statement, Walz expressed a "responsibility" to "serve if called on," yet he chose to leave the service shortly before the deployment was announced. This timing has led to criticism from former colleagues, with one source indicating that it left "a bad taste in a lot of peoples’ mouths." In March 2005, Walz, then a Command Sergeant Major, emphasized his duty to prepare his battalion for potential deployment. However, just two months later, his unit received notice of their impending deployment to Iraq. Reports indicate that Walz's battalion was officially notified in July 2005, two months after he had already retired. This raises questions about whether Walz was aware of the likelihood of deployment when he made the decision to leave. Walz has previously highlighted his military service, claiming to be a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom during his political campaigns. However, these assertions have been challenged, with a local Iraq war veteran confronting Walz's staff about the accuracy of his claims. Walz served in the Nebraska National Guard from 1981 to 1996 and in the Minnesota National Guard from 1996 until his retirement in 2005. At a recent press conference, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq expressed pride in his service, contrasting it with Walz's decision to step down when called upon. The unfolding narrative raises significant questions about Walz's commitment to military service during a critical time.