What we know about military records of Walz and Vance

Getty ImagesDemocratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz's military record has been under scrutiny since he was announced as Kamala Harris's running mate.Historic accusations made by some veterans have been revived by his opposite number, Republican JD Vance, who himself served in the military.Mr Vance says that Mr Walz intentionally avoided combat in Iraq by resigning shortly before his unit was deployed there, and that he has been dishonest about his role in the military.We’ve looked into his record and the military service of Mr Vance.Why did Walz retire from the military?Mr Vance claimed: “When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the army and allowed his unit to go without him.”Several former National Guard colleagues have previously publicly voiced frustrations at Mr Walz’s decision to leave their unit before deployment to Iraq - but others have rejected assertions that he retired to avoid combat duty.Mr Walz served for 24 ye...