A former battalion commander of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) National Guard unit responded to reports that the governor had suggested he retire as a “master sergeant,” noting that Walz “never successfully completed any mission” at that rank.
in post John Kolb said on Facebook that Waltz, who was recently named Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, “continuing to cling to the title” is “an insult to the enlisted corps.”
“He did not earn that rank, nor did he complete any duties as an E9,” Kolb wrote. “His continued insistence on that title is an insult to the NCO corps.”
Well, I don’t think we need to worry about Waltz’s battalion commander’s personal information being doxxed, because his battalion commander himself is doing just that on Facebook.
I mean, everyone understands that Waltz’s battalion commander is his direct superior, and the bond between the lieutenant colonel’s battalion is… pic.twitter.com/0Ko9rloWNX
— Cynical Publius (@CynicalPublius) August 11, 2024
“You can sit in the cockpit of an airplane, but that doesn’t make you a pilot,” Kolb wrote. “Similarly, when the demands of the highest levels of service and leadership became a reality, he chose a different path.”
Kolb’s post comes as Waltz faces criticism and accusations of “defamation.”
As Breitbart News previously reported, Waltz previously listed on his official resume that he retired at a higher rank than he actually did.
Waltz served in the Minnesota Army National Guard and retired at the rank of Sergeant Major (E-8). However, his biography on his official website lists a higher rank in which he served briefly, but which was ultimately rescinded because he did not meet all of the requirements to serve at that rank. However, his biography suggests he retired at the rank of Command Sergeant Major (E-9).
The statement that Waltz was a “retired Army sergeant major” was later removed by the Harris campaign, and Waltz’s biography Updated The governor pointed out that he “previously served at the rank of sergeant major.” Politico.
Retired Capt. Corey Bjertnes, who served as Waltz’s unit chaplain during his time in the National Guard, called Waltz “cowardly” for leaving his unit before deploying. Interview and New York Post.
“In our world, dropping out after Warnold is [warning order] “It is an act of cowardice for this order to be issued, especially from a senior NCO,” Bjeltnes said in a statement.
Breitbart News was previously archived press release According to a March 2005 Walz campaign report, “The National Guard Public Affairs Office announced a possible partial mobilization of approximately 2,000 Minnesota National Guard troops.”
On Thursday, March 17, the National Guard Public Affairs Office announced that approximately 2,000 members of the Minnesota National Guard may be partially mobilized. First District Congressional candidate Tim Walz is currently the command sergeant major of the 1-125th Battalion, based in New Ulm and made up of men and women primarily from southern Minnesota. The National Guard Public Affairs Office announcement noted that all or part of Walz’s battalion could be mobilized to Iraq within the next two years.
Waltz, a world geography teacher at Mankato West High School, has been an active member of the National Guard since 1981. During his 23 years with the Guard, he has deployed to the U.S., including an eight-month tour during Operation Enduring Freedom.
When asked about a possible deployment to Iraq, Waltz said, “It is not yet clear whether my artillery unit will participate in this deployment and I cannot comment further on the details of the deployment.”
While his tour of duty in Iraq may overlap with his election to Congress in Minnesota’s 1st Congress, Waltz is committed to continuing his campaign: “As Command Sergeant Major, I am responsible for not only preparing my unit for Iraq, but also deploying when called upon. Whether that be in Washington, D.C., or in Iraq, I will serve my country to the best of my ability.”
“I don’t want to speculate on what shape my campaign will take if I am deployed, but I have no plans to withdraw from the race. I am fortunate to have a strong group of enthusiastic supporters and an incredibly dedicated and intelligent wife, who will both be a big part of my campaign whether I am in Minnesota or in Iraq.”
If he is called to duty, Waltz will leave behind his wife, Gwen, and their 4-year-old daughter, Hope.
Waltz eventually left the military while his unit was deployed to Iraq.
In a Facebook post, Kolb said Walz “stepped aside to provide better leadership” and praised his replacement, Tom Behrens, as “the right leader at the right time.” Kolb added that he had “no opinion on Walz’s decision to step down at this time.”
“I have no opinion as to Mr. Waltz’s decision to retire at the time,” Kolb added, “which was his right. I also take no umbrage with his service as an E7 and E8 with the MNARNG. By all accounts and records, he was a competent firearms captain/gunnery sergeant and first sergeant. However, the same cannot be said for sitting in the CSM chair and serving in dress uniform.”
