Redirecting...

Josh Shapiro would have been a much better pick. Competent, well spoken but too much of a contrast to Kamala.

Maybe things have changed since I retired in 1982 - or the NG has different policies... Walz retired as a Master Sergeant because he had not completed the requirements for Sergeant Major. However, he wore Command Sergeant Major stripes until his retirement. When I hit the E-9 promotion list in 82, it would take over a year before I bubbled to the top of the list and wore the stripes. Additionally, upon promotoin to E-9 I would have an additional service obligation... "Soldiers promoted to Sergeant Major (SGM) incur a 36-month service obligation from the date of their promotion." I chose to retire and start another career while I was still relatively "young" (39). I needed to plan on four years college - that would put me at 43 when I started looking for a new career. Staying around for SGM would have moved the scenario to 47 when I transitioned into a new career. I don't understand how Walz became an "Acting" CSM.... I guess the NG has different rules!

Good afternoon LTC Stephen Conway. Excellent post. Thank you for sharing this Sir.