Tim Walz's Guard Career Questioned: Former Superior Claims Abandonment

Former Minnesota National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Julin alleges Tim Walz retired early by bypassing protocol and leaving his unit before their Iraq deployment.

Tim Walz's military career has come under renewed scrutiny following allegations that he abandoned his unit in the National Guard before its deployment to Iraq. During a recent interview with CNN, former Minnesota National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Julin made claims that cast doubt on Walz's conduct as a Guardsman.

Julin asserted that Walz, along with the entire unit, had numerous meetings over several months to discuss the imminent deployment. He stated that Walz attended all these meetings and assured him he would join the battalion in Iraq. However, in June 2005, Julin discovered that Walz had retired without informing him, having obtained permission from a higher-ranking officer.

Tim Walz's Guard Career Questioned: Former Superior Claims Abandonment

According to Julin, this action violated protocol and represented a "backdoor process." He stressed that Walz was fully aware of the established procedures but chose to circumvent them for his own benefit.

Julin's allegations echo similar claims made by other former Minnesota National Guardsmen. Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Herr (Ret.) told Fox News that Walz's actions amounted to "feathering his own bed" and subverting the chain of command.

Tim Walz's Guard Career Questioned: Former Superior Claims Abandonment

Walz's 24-year National Guard career has been a subject of debate since Vice President Kamala Harris selected him as her running mate. Critics have accused him of abandoning his fellow soldiers at a critical time.

In response to Julin's claims, the Minnesota National Guard stated that Walz's unit was not given deployment orders to Iraq until July, while his retirement papers had been submitted five to seven months prior to his May 2005 retirement date.

Tim Walz's Guard Career Questioned: Former Superior Claims Abandonment

However, Julin's interview with CNN took an unexpected turn when anchor Laura Coates abruptly ended it, citing audio quality issues. Billionaire and CEO Bill Ackman shared the clip, accusing Coates of prematurely ending the interview because Julin's statements contradicted the narrative CNN wished to present.

The Harris campaign has defended Walz, pointing to a quote from former National Guard member Joseph Eustice, who served under him. Eustice stated that the allegations against Walz are false and that he is "as good as a soldier as you'll find."

Despite the campaign's defense, Walz's actions as a Guardsman remain a topic of controversy and speculation. His decision to retire early and the circumstances surrounding it have raised questions about his conduct and loyalty to his fellow soldiers.