Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s military background has faced scrutiny following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket. Republicans have questioned both Walz’s portrayal of his military service and the timing of his retirement from the Army National Guard.

Here’s a closer look at Walz’s military record and why it’s become a point of contention in the campaign:

**Army National Guard Service**
Walz spent 24 years in the Army National Guard, serving in various roles before retiring in 2005. His retirement has been a focal point of criticism from Republicans.

According to the Nebraska Army National Guard, Walz joined the Army in April 1981, shortly after turning 17. He began as an infantryman and completed a 12-week basic training course before finishing high school.

While studying at the University of Houston in 1985, Walz was reclassified as a field artillery cannoneer with the Texas Army National Guard. He later served as an instructor with the Arkansas Army National Guard.

In 1987, Walz returned to Nebraska’s Guard unit, continuing with field artillery assignments while finishing his college degree. He transferred to the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1996. In 2003, he was deployed to Italy to support active military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, though he did not serve in a combat zone.

As Walz prepared to run for Congress in 2005, his campaign announced that he intended to continue his bid despite the possibility of Minnesota National Guard soldiers being mobilized to Iraq. Walz officially retired from service in May 2005.

In August 2005, the Department of the Army issued a mobilization order for Walz’s unit, which was then mobilized in October and deployed to Iraq in March 2006.

Republicans have criticized Walz for retiring before his unit’s deployment, suggesting he was trying to avoid serving in a combat zone.

By the time of his retirement, Walz had achieved the rank of command sergeant major, a high rank for enlisted soldiers. However, records show that he was later downgraded to master sergeant for retirement benefits, as he had not completed required coursework and other requirements for his promotion.

**Republican Criticism**
Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who is running with Donald Trump and is himself a Marine Corps veteran, has been vocal in questioning Walz’s military service. Vance criticized Walz’s claim of having served with weapons of war, calling it “stolen valor” and accusing him of misrepresenting his service.

Vance, who served as a combat correspondent in Iraq in 2005, expressed disdain for Walz’s portrayal of his service, saying it was misleading and dishonorable.

Neither Trump nor Harris has served in the military. Trump received multiple deferments during the Vietnam War era, including one based on a medical condition.

**Democratic Response**
The Harris campaign has defended Walz, highlighting his extensive military service and his efforts in Congress to advocate for veterans. They argue that Walz’s retirement was legitimate and emphasize his continued commitment to supporting military families.

The campaign also responded to Vance’s comments, stating that Walz would never disrespect any American’s military service and thanking Vance for his own service.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who served in the Navy, suggested that the Republican attacks on Walz are a distraction. He argued that these criticisms are part of a strategic move by the Trump campaign to divert attention from unpopular policies like tax cuts for the wealthy and restrictions on abortion access.