air force academy tours

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Updated: July 17, 2024

The Top 11 U.S. Air Force Academy Attractions

Set at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, the U.S. Air Force Academy is so much more than an undergraduate institution and military base.

The U.S. Air Force Academy is a collection of awe-inspiring attractions open to the public. In addition to state-of-the-art technology and modern architecture, this campus offers eleven different sites for civilians to explore. Don't miss these eleven sights while you're here.

1. Barry Goldwater Visitor Center

A must for those who have never previously been to the campus, the Visitor Center hosts exhibits of the campus, tells the history of the institution and features a mock cadet dorm room. The 250-seat theater plays a short movie on the hour and half hour. Catch the show and glimpse into everyday cadet life, complete with a snippet of the Graduation ceremonial hat toss and legendary Thunderbird flyover. Here visitors can purchase souvenirs and Academy apparel to show their Falcon pride.

2. U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium

The original U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium, which greeted visitors from 1959-2004, is back open after a multi-million dollar renovation from generous donations. The 50-foot dome is complete with built in 8K projectors, immersive surround sound and state-of-the-art reclining seats. Check out the latest schedule and enjoy free shows such as Oasis in Space, Great Bear Rainforest and Fighter Pilot. .

2. Noon Meal Formation

From the Honor Court, visitors can enjoy watching the noon meal formation . At 11:30 a.m., the Cadet Wing lines up numerically by squadron in front of the dormitories, Vandenberg and Sijan Halls. At the formation, 4,000 cadets march across the Terrazzo into Mitchell Hall to the Air Force song and other Department of Defense anthems, provided by our very own  Cadet Drum & Bugle Corps .

The formation is scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school year, weather permitting. Since the formation is subject to cancellation without notice, call the Visitor Center at 719-333-2025 on the morning of your visit to find out if there will be a lunch formation taking place.

4. Cadet Chapel

Please note: The Cadet Chapel is closed for a major restoration that is estimated to last until Spring 2027.

Perhaps the most notable structure on campus, the Cadet Chapel encompasses the beauty of midcentury-modern architecture with inspiration from Air Force vessels. With stained glass symbols and historical accents, each congregation center has its own beauty.

5.. The B-52 Display

When accessing the base through the north gate, this static display will be hard to miss. The awe inspiring B-52 bomber was the backbone of America’s manned bomber force for more than half of the 20th century. Recent additions include the Air Warrior combat Memorial and an HH-3 Jolly Green Giant rescue helicopter.

6. Cadet Field House

This mega-sized sports arena is home to Clune Arena (basketball/volleyball) that seats 5,856 supporters, an ice hockey arena with seating for 2,502 fans and a six-lane indoor track that can accommodate 925 spectators.

7. Academic Overlook

Drive up North Gate Boulevard (which becomes Academy Drive) and pull over at this overlook to enjoy a scenic view of the Academy’s various campus buildings. Being one of the country’s finest higher education institutions, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education for cadets to use throughout their Air Force or Space Force career and their individual lives.

8. Athletic Overlook

Just a few hundred yards to the west of the Academic Overlook, the Athletic Overlook provides guests a bigger picture to see just how massive the sports facilities at the U.S. Air Force Academy are. There are 150 acres of playing and practice fields that can be viewed from here. The public can attend games at the track and field, soccer, baseball and softball stadiums.

9. Arnold Hall

A student union and ballroom all-in-one location, this large hall hosts a 2,900-seat theater for cadets and the Richter Lounge Food Court , which has multiple food options catering to a wide variety of tastes. Stop by here to view displays featuring the Tuskegee Airmen, Women in Leadership and cadets who have become astronauts.

10. Doolittle Hall

This building is hard to miss, with a large Pegasus statue out front and houses the alumni association, The Association of Graduates. Following the Heritage Trail, you’ll cross the Challenge Bridge, see the Mall of Heroes, Memorial Wall, and the Southeast Asia Pavilion; an indoor and outdoor exhibit that is a stunning reminder of our role during the Vietnam era.

Don't forget to check out Doolittle Outfitters Retail Store for apparel, fan gear and more. Shop online or in person!

11. Falcon Stadium

The site of home football games and graduation, this large stadium was built in the fall of 1962 at a cost of $3.5 million. It is built in a natural bowl, has a capacity of 46,692 and stands at the base of the Rampart Range. In addition to Falcon Football, the stadium hosts a variety of sports and special events. To purchase football tickets call 719-472-1895 or visit www.goairforcefalcons.com .

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Doolittle Outfitters Retail Store at Air Force Academy 3116 Academy Dr US Air Force Academy, Colorado 80840-4475

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WHAT IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLUE?

Rocky Mountain Blue is an Air Force Partnership with Keystone Resort in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Qualified users of Rocky Mountain Blue are active duty, reserve, national guard, DoD, NAF government employees, retired military, immediate family members and guests. Keystone welcomes our military and military affiliates to the Rocky Mountain Blue vacation website. We'll help you book your discounted lodging and lift tickets on-line in real-time for your visit to Rocky Mountain Blue's Keystone Resort; an award-winning resort filled with year-round recreation and fun for all ages.

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Places to Play » Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy

Tour a beautiful and historic campus.

The Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the United States Air Force Academy for hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The center provides information on Academy history, cadet life, and campus attractions.

The 31,600-square-foot center contains historical exhibits, theater, and gift shop. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and New Year’s Day. Self-guided tour maps and information are available at the information desk. For additional information call the front desk at 719-333-2025.  Please note that the Chapel is closed until 2027 for renovations.

The United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO

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US Air Force Academy

Students selected to attend the Air Force Academy may join either the Air Force or the Space Force when they graduate.

One of five U.S. service academies, the Air Force Academy's establishment in 1954 closely followed the service's own creation just seven years earlier. A ranch occupied the first parcel of land the government acquired to ultimately cobble together today's 18,500-acre site, just to the north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

Students who are admitted receive free tuition along with room, board, medical and dental care, and base pay equal to a third of that of a second lieutenant, $1,339.50 for calendar year 2024 . Expenses come out of that, and as of the 2024-2025 academic year, the academy estimated that would still amount to several hundred dollars in pay each month after deductions.

Cadets start their Air Force Academy journey at Basic Cadet Training , a six-week course intended to push "physical, emotional and mental limits" in preparation to join the Cadet Wing.

The academy's military-run airmanship programs set it apart from any other U.S. academic institution. The Air Force's 306th Flying Training Group runs the programs out of Davis Airfield, including soaring (glider training that most cadets start their freshman year and a hallmark of the skies above the academy), powered flight and parachuting.

Read Next: Military ROTC Programs

Cadets decide whether they will join the Air Force or the Space Force. Most Air Force Academy graduates become pilots, but many others select careers in scientific or technical fields, operations, logistics, mission support or other specialties.

Making up the academy are the 4,000 cadets who comprise the Cadet Wing, along with some 2,540 active-duty members and 1,900 civilians. The admission rate of applicants was just under 11.2% for freshmen who entered in 2024, according to information provided to Military.com.

Led by Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, a 1991 graduate who became the academy's superintendent in August 2024, its mission is "to educate, train and inspire men and women to become leaders of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation."

Getting into the Air Force Academy

To become an Air Force Academy cadet, a student must be at least 17 years old, but not yet 23, by July 1 of the year they would enter the school. For the most part, they must be U.S. citizens. The academy may admit up to 15 international cadets a year, but they must apply through their own governments. Candidates must be unmarried, with no dependents, and of "good moral character."

Students can start their application by activating an online portal account .

First considered "pre-candidates," high school juniors who wish to attend the Air Force Academy must fill out an online questionnaire on which they self-report their GPA, class rank and extracurricular activities. The pre-candidate questionnaire is open March 1-Dec. 31 of each year. After screening, they may receive the designation of "candidate."

They must also receive a nomination from one or more of the following: their representative in Congress, either of their state's U.S. senators or the U.S. vice president; or be eligible for a service-connected nomination as:

• a current Air Force member or reservist
• a Reserve Officers' Training Corps member
• or the child of a deceased or disabled veteran, prisoner of war, service member missing in action, civilian employee missing in action, Medal of Honor awardee or career military member.

Once named a candidate, the clock starts on the other elements of the application, some of which may take as long as six months to complete, including record submissions, a writing sample, a personal interview and a letter of recommendation in addition to other academic and physical requirements candidates must fulfill.

This application window closes Jan. 31, but students should stick to their individual deadlines given in their online portal account.

Learn More : Overview of Military Education Benefits

Academic and Character Requirements

The Air Force Academy looks for students with an "exceptional academic track record and strong leadership skills." Admissions officers combine a candidate's GPA and class rank, when available, to create a score called the "Prior Academic Record." When the class rank isn't available, the admissions officers do a different evaluation.

Additionally, students must take the ACT or SAT. They may take either test as many times as they wish; the Air Force Academy will apply the student's highest score.

On the SAT, those who score below 620 on the evidence-based reading and writing portion, or below 580 on the math portion -- or below 24 on the English and reading portion and below 25 on the math and science portion of the ACT -- probably won't receive a direct selection but may be eligible for other avenues.

Candidates must sign a "drug and alcohol abuse certificate."

The academy also assigns scores according to students' participation in extracurriculars, including athletic as well as nonathletic activities such as work and community service. While low participation might normally render a candidate "noncompetitive" in extracurriculars, special circumstances may result in exceptions.

In the Class of 2028, with 1,128 admitted, the average GPA was 3.86; 82% were varsity athletes; 53% were in the top 10% of their graduating class (not all candidates reported class rank); 47% were members of the National Honor Society; 18% were in band or orchestra; and 7% were student government leaders.

Physical and Medical Requirements

The Air Force Academy requires cadet candidates to prove they're "fit to meet the physical demands ingrained in Academy life."

The Air Force Academy advises cadet candidates to practice the six events of the Candidate Fitness Assessment ahead of time. Candidates are responsible for finding a qualified adjudicator to administer the test, such as a physical education teacher, a military academy liaison officer, a military officer or a Junior ROTC instructor.

The test consists of six events, with scores averaging :

• basketball throw (women 42 feet, men 69 feet)
• pull-ups for both men (12) and women (2) or the flexed-arm hang for women (31 seconds) who can't do one pull-up
• shuttle run (9.4 seconds, 8.1 seconds)
• modified sit-ups (78, 81)
• push-ups (41, 62)
• mile run (7:30, 6:29)

Candidates are also advised to start lining up their Defense Department medical exam at least four months ahead of the deadline, because the process takes time. Eyesight must be correctable to at least 20/40, along with weight and other requirements .

After Graduating from the Air Force Academy

Air Force Academy graduates become second lieutenants in either the Air Force or the Space Force. The Space Force gets more new officers from the academy than any other source.

Cadets may opt to prioritize their military career choices in the second semester of their junior year, with a special interview required of those wishing to join the Space Force, an academy spokesperson told Military.com. Early in their senior year at an event known as “Job Drop,” cadets learn their career assignments, with about half going into flying careers and about 10% into the Space Force.

Some may enter medical or law school or pursue an advanced degree.

Those who want to become pilots or combat systems officers and meet the physical and medical requirements "are considered for flying training and may be selected to fill available openings" flying transport, bomber, fighter, multirole or special operations aircraft.

They serve on active duty for at least five years, followed by another three years as either a drilling reservist or member of the Individual Ready Reserve. Many go on to serve 20 years, when they're eligible to retire, or longer, and they often serve lifelong careers, reaching the highest ranks of the Air Force and Space Force.

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Access To and Tours of Cadet Area for AOG Members

Responding to requests, the AOG has created a program to allow Academy Graduates escorted access to the cadet area. We will make every effort to arrange necessary escorts whenever contacted, 10-business day notice is needed to schedule a volunteer.

Visits with Cadet, USAFA Staff Members and Departments

AOG members who wish to visit a cadet, Academy staff members or department should contact the cadet/staff member/department directly so they may arrange for your escort. AOG Customer Service will be pleased to provide telephone numbers or email addresses of individuals or departments.

Most of the Academy is open to all tourists. You may visit the Visitors Center, Chapel, Arnold Hall, the Field House, and Hall of Excellence without an escort. The Cadet Area (Terrazzo) has always been closed to the public, including graduates, and is now fenced. Special access is required to tour the Cadet Area. The AOG will make every effort to provide tours of the Cadet Area at times requested for the member, on occasion, AOG staff may not be available to conduct them. If you are not a member, AOG Customer Service will be pleased to sign you up for membership.

Tours will be conducted during normal duty days. Cadet activities within the cadet area and weather, though, could cause cancellation of tours on certain days. No tours are authorized when basic cadets are training in the cadet area, during reunion weekends, holidays, or when Cadet Wing training dictates. An AOG volunteer will contact you to arrange your tour.

The AOG tour program supports purchasing Memorial Cabinets for graduates killed in recent worldwide conflicts. The six foot, wooden, display cabinets are placed in the deceased graduate's squadron and filled with personal and military tributes. Any contribution made to the tour program will go directly to this endeavor.

Groups of more than twenty require coordination with the cadet wing and security forces. Please contact the Visitor's Center.

How to Arrange an AOG Escorted Tour for an AOG Member

Requests for tours should be made as far in advance as possible. To schedule a tour, please fill out the form below.

Request a Tour Online!

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Air Force Football Uniforms: Falcons Put Pressure on Army-Navy Atop Service Academy Kits

T he Army-Navy game is a 133-year-old tradition, and since 2016, the teams have unveiled special uniforms ahead of the storied annual rivalry matchup in December. However, the other service academy also hit the jersey battlefield in that time frame.

Every season, Air Force showcases its “Air Power Legacy Series,” and on Tuesday, the program gifted us with the 2024 edition , which honors the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Will Army or Navy be able to one-up their service academy rival? The Falcons made sure it would be difficult.

Air Force Sets the Tone for Service Academy Uniforms With Recent Release

Despite their air superiority, the Falcons are prone to bringing the heat to the ground. The first version of the APLS featured the Tiger Shark teeth nose art made famous on multiple Air Force aircraft in World War II. Yet, outside of the eye-catching helmets, the rest of the uniform fell a bit flat — not this year.

All-black jerseys never fail to pop on the field, but the Falcons didn’t stop there. The front bumper of the helmet highlights the Special Tactics Combat Control motto, “First There,” while the back bumper is the AFSOC’s motto, “Any Place, Any Time, Anywhere.”

With “AFSOC” taking the traditional nameplate area on the back of the jersey, players’ names will come on the right chest. The red swoosh on the jersey and pants, along with the red outline of the numbers, are a nod to the scarlet berets worn by combat controllers.

If the jersey and pants didn’t turn your head, the helmet certainly will. It features the AFSOC’s official emblem in jaw-dropping fashion, with the dagger running down the middle and silver wings flaring out from it.

Air Force will don the new kit when it faces Navy on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Falcon Stadium. The contest will be broadcast on CBS.

The Falcons enter 2024 at No. 8 of 12 teams in the Mountain West Power Rankings . Although they have only suffered four losing seasons since head coach Troy Calhoun took over in 2007, they rank dead last in returning production .

KEEP READING: Air Force Falcons Top 10 Returning Players

While new uniforms won’t help them win games on the field, the Falcons’ special kit set the bar for Army and Navy this season.

College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis , rankings , transfer portal information , top 10 returning players , the 2024 college football season schedule , and much more!

Every Student Majors in the Future

Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy receive a world-class education that prepares them for careers as leaders working for the most advanced air and space forces in the world. Whether it is as pilots, engineers, cyber specialists, space operations officers or otherwise, they’re able to make an immediate impact and shape the future of this country.

Why The Academy? Higher Education That Propels You to New Heights

The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the top universities in the country and develops outstanding leaders and officers of character who exemplify courage, dedication and a desire to serve others as they make a difference in the Air Force, Space Force and the world.

Covered In This Section:

• Unique Education ,
• Majors and Minors ,
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#2 Top Public Schools

#7 Top National Liberal Arts College

#7 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

#7 Civil Engineering

#9 Electrical Engineering

#10 Mechanical Engineering

A STRONG LEGACY Going Above and Beyond Takes Grit

The Academy empowers you to achieve new goals through discipline and determination. With a world-class education and supportive mentors, professors and fellow cadets by your side, you’ll turn challenges into conquests.

Space Force The Number-one School for Space

The Air Force Academy is the premier academy for those interested in joining the Space Force. It offers more programs and leadership opportunities than any other service academy and is the best place to learn about the ever-changing space domain.

How can I prepare? Don’t Just Apply, Show What You’re Made Of

At the U.S. Air Force Academy, we look at more than grades. We look at the whole person. To improve your chances of being offered an appointment, make sure you prepare academically and physically, as well as demonstrate your character and leadership abilities.

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Experience the Birthplace of Leaders

How does it feel to trace the footsteps of some of our nation’s most revered leaders? Come see the United States Air Force Academy for yourself and find out.

If You Have Questions, Get Answers

Our outreach programs can help you determine whether the U.S. Air Force Academy is right for you as well as help you make your application as complete and competitive as possible.

How Can You Learn More?

The majority of our events are held in the fall and spring, with fewer events in the summer months. To learn more about the U.S. Air Force Academy, check for an event that may be convenient for you.

Do i meet the requirements? The Bar Is High, Clearing It Starts from Within

Students from all over compete for an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Earning a spot begins with knowing what is required and then digging deep, not to just meet our high standards, but to surpass them.

• Academic Requirements ,
• Physical Requirements ,
• Character Requirements ,
• Medical Requirements

Commitment Spend Your Career Leading Others, Not Paying Off Debt

An education at the U.S. Air Force Academy is provided at no cost to cadets. Instead, once you graduate, you will commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. The length of your commitment will depend on your career path, but the benefits will last a lifetime.

How do I Apply? The First Step Is Understanding All the Steps

The admissions process to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy is more involved than you would find at most universities. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with each step and the application deadline so you’ll be ready.

• Admissions Cycle ,
• Seek Your Nomination ,
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Follow us on Instagram @usafaadmissions to learn more about day-to-day life at the Academy and to get real cadets’ insights.

Your Path to Excellence Starts Here

Unpacking the Controversy Over Tim Walz's Military Service

Walz served in the minnesota national guard for 24 years before leaving to run for congress., alex kasprak, published aug. 12, 2024.

• The claim that Walz "abandoned" his National Guard unit right before he would have been deployed to Iraq is a subjective allegation leveled by a small number of former National Guardsmen and Minnesota political activists. Having served in the Guard for 24 years, Walz was free to retire when he did. 
• Walz has never claimed to have served in a combat role in war. Such allegations are based on a single misstatement and are undercut by his consistent transparency about not seeing combat in other interviews.
• Walz served as a command sergeant major, but did not retire at that grade because he did not complete the required training. The Guard has said, on numerous occasions, that it is accurate for Walz to state that he has served at that rank.

During an Aug. 7, 2024, campaign rally in Michigan, GOP U.S. vice presidential candidate JD Vance reopened a series of old attacks against his Democratic counterpart, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, challenging his military record. "When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did?" Vance said at the rally. "He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him." 

All told, Vance's statements have placed renewed focus on three allegations that have previously been leveled against Walz by political opponents:

He "abandoned" his National Guard unit right before he would have been deployed to Iraq.

He has lied about serving "in war."

He has lied about the rank at which he retired.

Walz has faced these allegations from the same small group of local politicians and former Minnesota National Guardsmen in virtually every election he has participated in since his first campaign for Congress in 2006. In 2018, when he was running for governor of Minnesota, two former members of Walz's unit wrote an open letter that went viral then , and which resurfaced in 2024:

When the nation called, he quit. He failed to complete the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. He failed to serve for two years following completion of the academy, which he dropped out of. He failed to serve two years after the conditional promotion to Command Sergeant Major. He failed to fulfill the full six years of the enlistment he signed on September 18th, 2001. He failed his country. He failed his state. He failed the Minnesota Army National Guard, the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion, and his fellow Soldiers. And he failed to lead by example. Shameful.

Here, Snopes dissects each allegation:

Walz served in the Army National Guard for 24 years , joining the Nebraska Guard at age 17. He underwent basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, that year, in 1981. He returned for his senior year of high school while drilling with his unit. Service in the National Guard involves an initial period of training, then a commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks a year of exercises and training.

Walz became an artillery specialist and helped train soldiers on the use of field artillery weapons. He met his wife and moved with her to Minnesota in 1996, continuing his teaching and military careers in parallel. With that move, he transferred to a National Guard outfit based near his new job — 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Unit, or the 1-125th FA. He rose through the ranks, as he described in a 2009 Library of Congress interview :

I taught sixth-grade history for a while teaching in Nebraska. That's where I met my wife, and she moved me back to Minnesota … . I said as far as guard units, you're able to transfer to ones. And they found me one near my hometown in Mankato, Minnesota, where I was moving with my wife that was a field artillery unit in St. James, Minnesota. So I joined the 1st [Battalion] of the 125th Field Artillery, which was part of the 34th Division, the Red Bulls, and became part of that division artillery and then moved through the ranks, everything from gunnery sergeant, chief of the firing battery, a first sergeant and then eventually being the sergeant major for the battalion.

Domestically, the battalion was involved in several natural-disaster responses: tornado cleanups, flooding disasters, and Yellowstone wildfires. Though Walz's initial commitment to the Guard ended in 2001, he re-enlisted following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. After Sept. 11, the 1-125th participated in overseas deployments, though not in combat roles.

Walz and his unit provided "force protection" at Air Force bases in Italy, demobilizing in early 2004. Upon his return from that deployment, Walz was promoted to command sergeant major, making him the most senior enlisted member of the 1-125th.

In early 2005 , Walz announced his run for U.S. Congress. When he began his campaign, he was enlisted and considered the possibility of campaigning while on active duty or facing deployment, but later decided to retire to focus on the run. At the time , he was 41 and had a 4-year-old daughter.

Walz 'Abandoned' His Unit?

The allegation that Walz "abandoned" his unit originated, in large part, from the National Guardsman who went on to take Walz's place as command sergeant major in the 1-125th and who co-wrote the aforementioned open letter. Centrally, this line of attack alleges that Walz's congressional run allowed him to avoid combat.

Walz announced his run for Congress in February 2005, before the March 17, 2005, announcement that the 1-125th would potentially be deployed to Iraq. While Walz did announce his intention to run before that announcement , it is certainly possible he knew his unit was likely to see action in Iraq based on increased mobilization of National Guard troops for the War on Terror and due to his senior rank.

At the time of the mobilization announcement, Walz said he was still considering remaining enlisted during his campaign. Ultimately, he decided to retire. Though it is unclear when he filed his decision to retire, May 17, 2005, was his last day with the Guard. His unit deployed in March 2006.

The suggestion that a possible future combat deployment played a role in his decision to retire is speculative, and pushed in large part by that small but vocal group of former members of the 1-125th. Others who served with Walz disagree, saying he had every right to retire when he did. As the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported , for example :

Joseph Eustice, a 32-year veteran of the guard who led the same battalion as Walz, said the governor fulfilled his duty.  "He was a great soldier," Eustice said. "When he chose to leave, he had every right to leave."  Eustice said claims to the contrary are ill-informed and possibly sour grapes by a soldier who was passed over for the promotion to command sergeant major that went to Walz.  … Like Walz, Eustice said that he also left in the middle of a six-year re-enrollment because members are free to leave at any time after their initial six-year stint.  "If you choose to re-up, you can walk in any day and be done," Eustice said.

Other former members of the unit who remember Walz have also spoken highly of him, as reported by Minnesota Public Radio in 2022:

Jeff Bertrang outranked Walz in the unit and retired as a brigadier general. Now the New Ulm schools superintendent, Bertrang has a fond recollection of Sgt. Walz. "His willingness to learn and to inspire others, he had a go-get-em' attitude," Bertrang said. "It wasn't sit back and wait to see what happens." They spent time stationed together in the far reaches of Norway, where Guard troops trained with NATO allies, doing drills in the snow in 30-below-zero temperatures.  Bertrang said Walz was good at putting his colleagues at ease and demonstrated an appreciation for varying viewpoints and differing backgrounds, all of which could transfer to politics.

The Minnesota National Guard, which could have blocked his retirement, had no objections to his leaving at the time he did, an official with the Guard told The Washington Post in August 2024.

Walz Lied About Serving 'in War'?

In describing his time in the military, Walz has never claimed to have served in any combat role. He makes this point explicit in nearly all published interviews on the subject. Speaking during his 2009 Library of Congress interview about his unit's deployment in a support role during Operation Enduring Freedom, for example, Walz described some of his men's disappointment at their noncombat assignment:

We were under the assumption we could fire artillery [during Operation Enduring Freedom]. That's what we had trained for. … All of us, first and foremost, were infantry and all of us did need to provide whatever was required of us. So we ended up providing part of the … base security for Air Force bases. … And I think in the beginning, many of my troops were disappointed.

Some conservative outlets, such as the Washington Free Beacon, have argued that Walz's statements about his deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom misleadingly suggest he claimed to have served in Afghanistan. Walz has never made such a claim, though, and he has always described his 2003 deployment as one that supported security operations at U.S. Air Force bases in Europe.

The closest thing to a statement made by Walz suggesting he is a combat veteran comes from a 2018 statement he made as governor of Minnesota when he advocated for tighter gun-control legislation: "We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war." The Harris campaign recently shared the statement on X and other social media platforms.

Walz's phrasing here is inaccurate, as he did not carry weapons "in war." Though he was exposed to enough percussive power from the artillery he trained on, and taught others how to use, to require ear surgery later in life , he did not handle those weapons of war in an actual war.  

On Aug. 9, 2024, a Harriz-Walz campaign spokesperson told The Washington Post that Walz "misspoke," explaining:

In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

His language in this instance was imprecise and potentially misleading, but it requires a literal reading of a rhetorical point about gun violence to cast this statement as his claiming the status as combat veteran in light of his transparency on the topic elsewhere.

Walz Lied About His Rank?

The dispute about Walz's rank is, at its core, a semantic one. When Walz was promoted to command sergeant major on Sept. 17, 2004, his promotion was conditional on his completing certain training. It is not uncommon for such promotions to precede the required training. He began, but did not complete , training for this role at that time, as described by the military-focused media outlet Task and Purpose:

The course Walz failed to complete was a 750-hour course in the Army's Sergeants Major Academy, which would have included 86 hours in residence at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Completing the course is mandatory for E-9s, though completing the training after being promoted is not uncommon.

Regardless, Walz served for seven months as command sergeant major. When he decided to retire, he left without completing that training. As a result, his official retirement rank is a step lower. The demotion occurred after he left, and it was administrative, not punitive . The change primarily affects Walz's military-retirement package.

The Minnesota National Guard has regularly stated that it is appropriate for Walz to say he "served as" command sergeant major. Capt. Holly Rockow, a public affairs officer for the Minnesota National Guard, told Minnesota Public Radio in 2018 that it "is legitimate for Walz to say he served as a command sergeant major."

Walz's opponents take umbrage with Walz saying he is a retired command sergeant major due to this demotion. On Aug. 8, 2024, the Harris campaign, which had originally described Walz as a "retired command sergeant major" on its website, changed the language to more accurately state that he served at the rank of command sergeant major.

The Bottom Line

A minority of veterans from the 1-125th, as well as political activists, begrudge Walz for retiring in 2005 before a long deployment in Iraq, and for using the phrase "retired as" a command sergeant major. The National Guard accepted his retirement without issue at the time and has stated that he did "serve as" a command sergeant major. Despite characterizations to the contrary, Walz has never explicitly claimed to have served in combat.

Walz served honorably in the National Guard for 24 years, and served (but did not retire) at the highest rank possible for an enlisted man. As a soldier he participated in disaster-relief deployments domestically and provided security assistance at European U.S. Air Force bases during Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Army National Guard." Goarmy.Com, http://www.goarmy.com/content/goarmy/en/explore-the-army/army-structure/national-guard.html. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.

Assessing Claims about Tim Walz's Military Service - The Washington Post. 9 Aug. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20240809132937/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/09/assessing-claims-about-walz-service/.

Britzky, Jeremy Herb, Haley. "Vance Reopens Line of Attack into Walz's Military Record as Two Veterans Now Vie to Be Vice President | CNN Politics." CNN, 7 Aug. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/07/politics/tim-walz-military-record-vance-attack/index.html.

"'Citizen Soldier' Walz Honed Leadership in Uniform." MPR News, 3 Oct. 2018, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/10/03/tim-walz-national-guard-career-minnesota-governor-race.

Coolican, J. Patrick. Tim Walz's Campaign for Minnesota Governor Aims to Bridge the Great Divide. 14 Oct. 2018, https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-s-campaign-for-minnesota-governor-aims-to-bridge-the-great-divide/495297961.

History of the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery. https://minnesotanationalguard.ng.mil/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1st-battalion-125th-field-artillery-history.pdf.

Nieberg, Matt White, Patty. "The 'Swift Boating' of Tim Walz Has Begun. What Is the Truth?" Task & Purpose, 7 Aug. 2024, https://taskandpurpose.com/news/swift-boat-walz/.

"Paid Letter: The Truth About Tim Walz." West Central Tribune, 2 Nov. 2018, https://www.wctrib.com/community/letters/the-truth-about-tim-walz.

Ross, Chuck. Tim Walz Falsely Claimed He Served in Afghanistan. When a Local Vet Called Him Out, His Office Did Nothing. 7 Aug. 2024, https://freebeacon.com/elections/tim-walz-falsely-claimed-he-served-in-afghanistan-when-a-local-vet-called-him-out-his-office-did-nothing/.

Senator JD Vance Campaigns in Shelby Township, Michigan | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/video/?537607-1/senator-jd-vance-campaigns-shelby-township-michigan. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.

Tim Walz Congressional Biography. https://www.congress.gov/115/meeting/house/105558/witnesses/HHRG-115-HA00-Bio-WalzT-20170215.pdf.

"Timothy James Walz Collection." Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.69125/. Accessed 9 Aug. 2024.  

By Alex Kasprak

Alex Kasprak is an investigative journalist and science writer reporting on scientific misinformation, online fraud, and financial crime.

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Tim Walz's military record: What to know about potential VP's National Guard service

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, choosing a progressive yet plain-spoken VP candidate from America’s heartland to help her win over rural, white voters.

“I’m pleased to share that I’ve made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate,” Harris said via text to supporters. “Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president.”

We look at Walz, a 60-year-old U.S. Army National Guard veteran, and his military career over the years.

More: Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

How long was Walz in the military?

Walz served in the military for 24 years, enlisting in the Nebraska National Guard at 17 in 1981 and then transferring to the Minnesota National Guard in 1996. He retired in 2005 to begin his successful run for the U.S. House, representing Minnesota as command sergeant major, among the highest ranks for enlisted soldiers. His battalion went on to deploy to Iraq shortly after Walz's retirement.

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Walz specialized in heavy artillery and had proficiency ribbons in sharpshooting and hand grenades.

But during the 21 years that Walz spent working with large artillery pieces, he suffered hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears, Minnesota Public Radio reported. He was allowed to continue his service after undergoing surgery, which partially resolved his hearing loss.

Where did Walz serve, and what did he do in the National Guard?

During his service, Walz responded to natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes in Minnesota and Nebraska, and was deployed overseas for months at a time, according to MPR.

In 2003, he was sent to Italy, where he served with the European Security Force to support the war in Afghanistan. He was also stationed in Norway for joint training with other NATO militaries.

Walz told MPR that he reenlisted in the National Guard after the September 11 attacks but never saw active combat in his years in the military.

Stars and Stripes reported in 2020 that Walz credited his Army experience with helping him steer Minnesota through the COVID-19 pandemic as governor.

As governor of Minnesota, Walz is commander in chief of the 13,000-soldier Minnesota National Guard. “I’m certainly proud of my military service, but it’s one piece of me,” he told Minnesota Public Radio in 2018. “It doesn’t define me.”

Reuters and USA TODAY reporter Tom Vanden Brook contributed to this story.