EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL VICE PRESIDENTS’ MILITARY SERVICE: WHAT THOSE WHO SERVED WITH THEM THINK
It’s an election year and so far, it’s been a lot even by the standards that have become the norm in 2024. The United States is looking to add a new leader of the free world this November and everything is being scrutinized. This includes everything from the relevant to the outrageous. One key talking point so far has been each possible Vice Presidents' military service. Both JD Vance and Tim Walz are Veterans, bring qualities desired in leadership to the table as a result, and overall, seem to have the respect of those they served with.
The Vice Presidents’ Military Service in the 2024 Race Is a Bit of a Modern Anomaly
Despite being on opposite sides politically, Walz and Vance share a rare trait in today's politics---both potential Vice Presidents have a military record.This is the first time in almost three decades that both VP candidates are enlisted military Veterans running for the role.Both Vance and Walz used the GI Bill to attend college, while also showing early signs of political ambition and leadership.Interviews with their military peers reveal Walz as a positive, inspiring figure, while Vance was seen as a mature Marine capable of handling tasks that come with the responsibility of leadership.
What People Really Think of JD Vance's Military Service
When he finished high school, Vice President hopeful, Sen. JD Vance enlisted as a Marine, before serving for four years.JD Vance's background in the military includes touring Iraq in 2005 and serving as a combat correspondent.To those who knew Vance, it’s not really a shock that he has become Ohio’s Senator, nor is it a surprise that he is in the running to be our nation’s Vice President.“We all knew one day he would run for office. He always did a great job where he was at, but always looked forward to the next thing,” said retired Maj. Shawn Haney, who was Vance’s officer in charge in Cherry Point, North Carolina.Despite his service, and the backing of those within the military community, JD Vance has been criticized by others in the same community for his actions.For example, Rep. Seth Moulton from Massachusetts has questioned Vance’s ability to maintain the values of the USMC.“He’s a Marine Corps Veteran. I mean, a combat correspondent. He didn’t do much fighting and he doesn’t exactly uphold Marine values. In fact, not even close to it. I consider him one of the biggest hypocrites in Congress, someone who wrote a book, completely contradicted by his candidacy, someone who assailed Trump, before he became a sycophant,” said Moulton.JD Vance has also come under fire because of his decision to attack Tim Walz’s military career while campaigning.
Tim Walz Has Received Much Praise for His Service
Tim Walz’s military service would span 24 years in the Army National Guard, where he obtained the rank of master sergeant before separating from service.Some Veterans and political peers have criticized Walz’s service; however, those who served with him understand the qualities he can bring to the Oval Office.“I don’t follow too many people. But in the few years that he was my first sergeant, I will follow him anywhere, if that says anything about his character. Once you are his Soldier, you are always his Soldier. He will always want to help,” said David Bonnifield, a retired sergeant who served under Walz as a part of the Minnesota National Guard.After the military, Walz was also influential in the military community even as he took on his new role as a high school teacher.One student, in particular, retired Staff Sgt. Ryan Marti decided to join the National Guard and has spoken about how Walz was an inspiration for his enlistment.“As a teacher, I would say he definitely inspired me. He recruited me into the National Guard along with my brother and some other students I know,” said Marti.
What Those Who Are Critical of Walz's Military Career Have to Say
The biggest criticisms outside of the political world and within the military community, seem to revolve around Walz’s retirement from the military.In February 2005, Walz filed to run for Congress and ultimately retired in May 2005; however, it was in March 2005 that his unit was scheduled for a possible deployment anytime within the next two years.“I’m not critical of him retiring. That’s not the problem. A lot of people, they had a choice not to go to Iraq. But it’s how he got out,” said retired Sgt. First Class, Tim Schiller, a Soldier who did serve under Walz; however, doesn’t know him on a personal level.Even with this information, Walz kept campaigning with the ambition of getting into office.In July 2005, two months after his retirement, the unit he was a part of would receive orders to deploy in Iraq, where they served in 2006.“He knew he quit. He decided there was something better to do than bring his Soldiers to combat,” said retired CSM Tom Behrends, who took over Walz’s unit following his retirement.“In the NCO leadership world, taking your Soldiers to combat is what you need to do first. Everything else you do (afterward),” he continued. It’s worth noting Behrends has been critical of Walz’s decision on multiple occasions.
Both Potential Vice Presidents’ Military Service Experience Can Benefit Our Nation
We finally have two VP hopefuls that are Veterans. While criticisms can be fair and effective, it’s worth noting that there are key benefits everyone should keep in mind.Serving our nation is sure to shape policies that affect the military community, ideally in a positive way, for both candidates.This includes active duty members who have immediate needs along with the way we treat our Veterans.Furthermore, each potential Vice Presidents’ military records can come in handy when dealing with decisions about conflicts and war.While VPs advise and don’t make the decision to go to war directly, they can still have some influence.Furthermore, if needed, they could assume the role of our nation’s Commander-In-Chief.Having experience serving our nation builds great qualities. Both Vance and Walz can bring such leadership to the table, regardless of their political stances.Both Vice Presidents’ military service records aren’t really about who did what but rather that both decided to serve our nation and preserve freedom in their own right.Related reads: