The Minnesota National Guard revealed earlier this week that Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democrat vice presidential candidate, had his rank reduced to master sergeant a day before he retired, which means that he never retired as a command sergeant major as he has claimed numerous times in political ads and in political settings. Minnesota National Guard Director of Manpower & Personnel Army Col. Ryan Cochran said in a statement sent out to journalists on August 13, 2024 (emphasis added):
Governor Tim Walz received his notification of eligibility for retirement on August 3, 2002. He was promoted to sergeant major (E-9) on September 17, 2004, and immediately began serving as the command sergeant major for the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery while his packet was submitted to the National Guard Bureau to appoint him to command sergeant major (E-9). Once approved by NGB, he was…
