Amid rising political tensions, a former military leader has openly criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's portrayal of his military career.

John Kolb, once Walz's battalion commander, has issued a severe reprimand over his military service claims and the circumstances around his resignation as controversies amplify amid his rise to become Kamala Harris' running mate, as Fox News reports.

Kolb, who led the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery between 2005 and 2007, recently voiced his discontent on social media. His critical comments on Facebook were first reported by the Daily Mail and have since spurred widespread debate.

Walz, who retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2005, ended his military career as a master sergeant. This was a demotion from command sergeant major, a title he did not retain due to incomplete coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.

The misrepresentation came to light when the Harris campaign previously described Walz as a "retired Command Sergeant Major." This was later amended to clarify that he "served as a command sergeant major" in updated biographical details.

Controversy Stirs as Political Figures Weigh in

Thomas Behrends, who succeeded Walz in the battalion, received praise from Kolb as a true leader who rightfully earned his title. Meanwhile, Kolb's critique paints a starkly different picture of Walz's military tenure.

"I do not regret that Tim Walz retired early from the Minnesota National Guard, did not complete the Sergeants Major Academy, broke his enlistment contract, or did not successfully complete any assignment as a Sergeant Major," Kolb expressed in his Facebook post. "Unwittingly, he got out of the way for better leadership."

Kolb further commented on Walz's capabilities in earlier roles, "By all accounts and on the record, he was a competent Chief of Firing Battery/Gunnery Sergeant and First Sergeant. I cannot say the same of his service sitting, frocked, in the CSM [command sergeant major] chair."

Former Subordinates and Family Reflect on Walz's Service

Kolb's dissatisfaction extends to Walz's use of the command sergeant major title post-military career. "He did not earn the rank or successfully complete any assignment as an E9. It is an affront to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps that he continues to glom onto the title," Kolb stated, drawing a sharp comparison, "I can sit in the cockpit of an airplane, it does not make me a pilot."

This sentiment is echoed by Behrends, who has been vocal about Walz's embellished claims, especially since his announcement as VP nominee.

"He's used the rank that he never achieved in order to advance his political career. I mean, he still says he's a retired command sergeant major to this day, and he's not. He uses the rank of others to make it look like he's a better person than he is," Behrends asserted.

Kolb's admiration for Behrends was evident, "Thomas Behrends was the right leader at the right time. He sacrificed to answer the call, leaving his family, business, and farming partner brother to train, lead, and care for soldiers. He earned the privilege of being called Command Sergeant Major. Like a great leader, he ran toward and not away from the guns."

Public and Political Reactions to the Military Service Controversy

The issue has attracted attention from high-profile figures, including Donald Trump Jr., who criticized the media's response to the controversy. "Tim Walz's Battalion Commander absolutely destroys him over his Stolen Valor. How long is the leftwing media going to keep ignoring all of this?" he commented on social media.

Attempts by Fox News Digital to confirm the authenticity of Kolb's Facebook post and gather more comments were met with silence, further fueling the debate around Walz's military narrative as the election season heats up.

As the story unfolds, it continues to generate a mix of support and criticism across political and public spheres, influencing the broader discourse around military service and political integrity.

Reflections and Concluding Thoughts on the Controversy

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Gov. Tim Walz's military service claims sheds light on the complex interplay between military records and political narratives.

John Kolb's public denouncement of Walz's claims, supported by Thomas Behrends' statements and public reactions, underscores ongoing debates about authenticity and honor in public service.

As the vice-presidential campaign progresses, the implications of these accusations may resonate further, influencing public perception and electoral decisions. The unfolding situation highlights the significance of transparency and truthfulness in political candidates' backgrounds, especially regarding their service records.