The online biography of Tim Walz’s military service, the running mate of Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, has been updated to accurately reflect his rank in the Army National Guard. This change comes in response to Republican efforts to question his military record.
The Harris campaign website now states that Walz served at the command sergeant major rank during his time in the National Guard, rather than referring to him as a “retired command sergeant major.” This adjustment reflects his true rank at retirement from the military in 2005, after 24 years of service. Walz went on to become the most senior enlisted soldier to serve in Congress after retiring from the National Guard to run for the U.S. House.
Republicans, led by GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance, have raised concerns about Walz’s military credentials, suggesting that he inflated his rank by using the title of “retired command sergeant major.” While Walz did serve in this role, he reverted back to the rank of master sergeant upon leaving the military as he had not completed the required coursework for the higher rank.
Previous campaigns have also faced similar accusations regarding Walz’s military rank, including during his 2018 gubernatorial race. Despite these challenges, Walz emerged victorious in the election.
The updated biography on the Harris campaign website now highlights Walz’s legislative efforts to support veterans, citing his role as the ranking member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The campaign describes him as “the son of an Army veteran who served as a command sergeant major.”
Army public affairs officer Lt. Col. Kristen Augé clarified Walz’s rank, stating that he attained the rank of command sergeant major during his service but retired as a master sergeant in 2005 for benefit purposes.
Neither the Harris campaign spokesperson nor Walz’s gubernatorial office in Minnesota immediately responded to requests for comment on the updated biography.
