Recently, JD Vance, the GOP vice-presidential candidate, reignited controversy by attacking Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz over his retirement from the Minnesota National Guard in May 2005. Vance accused Walz, who was then the top enlisted soldier in the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment, of abandoning his troops just before their deployment to Iraq. He also questioned Walz’s claim of having retired as a Command Sergeant Major when he actually left the service as a Master Sergeant. But the reality behind Walz’s decision is far more complex.
The Complex Reality of Walz’s Decision
Tim Walz, a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, was balancing multiple roles in 2005. As a high school teacher, a political candidate, and the top enlisted soldier in his unit, he faced an enormous challenge. That year, news from the state headquarters indicated that the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment might be deployed within two years. Walz, who had already served beyond the required 20 years for retirement, was preparing to lead his soldiers into combat while also launching a bid for Congress.
In addition to his military and civilian responsibilities, Walz was dealing with significant personal issues. He and his wife Gwen had spent years undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, finally welcoming their daughter in 2001. By 2005, Gwen was continuing the emotionally taxing treatments, facing the possibility of doing so alone while her husband was at war.
Health and Military Challenges
Walz’s decision to retire was further complicated by his health. In 2002, he had successfully argued to remain in the National Guard despite hearing loss that could have forced him into early retirement. By 2005, his hearing issues had worsened, requiring surgery to replace damaged ear bones. Whether the surgery took place before or after his retirement is unclear, but it’s evident that health concerns were a significant factor.
Despite the rumors of deployment, Walz retired in May 2005. His decision was made in a narrow window between the time deployment rumors started and when a “stop loss” policy could have extended his service involuntarily. This allowed another man, retired Command Sergeant Major Thomas Behrends, to take over and lead the unit through a grueling 22-month deployment.
Vance’s Criticism and the Larger Context
JD Vance’s attack on Walz’s military record, particularly his accusation of “stolen valor”, highlights the complexities of military service. Vance, who served four years in the Marine Corps as a combat correspondent, criticized Walz for prioritizing his political career over his duty to his soldiers. However, the choice Walz faced was far from straightforward. It was a decision influenced by multiple factors, including family, health, and his belief in where he could best serve his country.
Walz’s former colleagues have different views on his decision. While some, like Behrends, have harshly criticized him, others understand the difficult calculus Walz had to perform. Serving in the National Guard, where soldiers must balance military duties with civilian careers and family obligations, often requires tough decisions. Walz’s choice to retire, while controversial, was a deeply personal one that reflected the complex realities of his situation.
COMMENTS