Breitbart reported that John Kolb, a former battalion commander, has publicly denied Walz's previous claims of retiring from the National Guard as a Command Sergeant Major, a prestigious military rank designated as E9.

Walz, who had served under Kolb's command, claimed this rank in various biographical representations.

However, according to Kolb, Walz neither earned this rank nor completed any assignments as an E9. This revelation has led to revisions in how Walz’s military history is presented publicly, influencing the political narratives surrounding his candidacy.

The Timeline of Allegations and Responses

The controversy began to unravel as Kolb expressed his discontent on Facebook, specifying that Walz had never satisfactorily served at the E9 level. These comments were timed closely with the increased scrutiny that Walz faced upon his elevation to a potential vice-presidential candidate.

In response, adjustments were made to Governor Walz's official biographical entries. Initially, these entries implied he retired at the rank of E9. This was later corrected; his biography now acknowledges that he served at the E9 rank but retired as a Master Sergeant (E8), thus realigning his public military record with the factual account.

These claims and subsequent modifications have not only affected Walz's political image but have also stirred discussions about integrity and authenticity in the representation of one’s service records.

Each statement from those who served closely with Walz added layers to the narrative. Retired Captain Corey Bjertness, who served as the chaplain of Walz’s unit, labeled Walz’s decision to leave prior to a possible deployment as “cowardly.”

This sentiment focused on a specific period when Walz’s battalion received a warning order about a potential mobilization, which would have included a deployment to Iraq in March 2005.

Career Switch

During this period, Walz was engaged both as a teacher and as a congressional candidate, roles that he expressed a strong commitment to maintaining alongside his military duties.

Despite the looming possibility of deployment, Walz assured the public of his dedication to his congressional campaign and his military responsibilities. Nonetheless, his unit was later deployed to Iraq, while Walz retired from service prior to the deployment.

Kolb further clarified his stance, explaining that while Walz’s service in earlier ranks was commendable, his brief tenure in the Command Sergeant Major role did not demonstrate the requisite leadership. His parting comment, “He got out of the way for better leadership,” highlighted a perceived deficiency in Walz’s capability to fulfill the expectations of the E9 position.

The unfolding narrative around Walz’s military claims poses potential challenges to his political trajectory, especially as he steps onto the national stage as a vice presidential candidate. The allegations of misrepresenting his military rank add a layer of controversy to his already complex public persona and political ambitions.

John Kolb’s stark reproach casts a long shadow on Walz’s record, suggesting an exploitation of military titles for personal advancement. Kolb’s analogy, comparing claiming an unearned rank to sitting in a cockpit without being a pilot, underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Walz.

This situation remains a significant aspect of Walz’s public and political profile, reflecting the delicate balance between personal history and public trust.

Conclusion

In summary, accusations against Tim Walz concerning his military record, specifically the inaccuracy of claiming to have retired as a Command Sergeant Major, have stirred considerable debate.

His former commander, John Kolb, asserts that Walz did not fulfill the duties corresponding to the rank he claimed, leading to a public correction of his official military title. Moving forward, how Walz addresses these allegations may play a crucial role in shaping his political future amidst his vice presidential campaign.