Questions about U.S. Rep. Barry Moore’s (R-Enterprise) military service record have become a flashpoint in the high-stakes runoff for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat one week before the June 16 election.
Moore’s campaign denied allegations that the congressman embellished his service in campaign ads and public appearances. According to information his campaign provided to multiple outlets, Moore served in the Alabama Army National Guard from 1988 to 1991 and the Army Reserves from 1991 to 1997. He was called to active duty for approximately two months in 1989 but never deployed or saw combat.
The ad, sponsored by Alabama Conservatives, accuses Moore of misrepresenting his service and suggesting he saw combat – and urges Republican voters to back former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in the runoff.
“I served honorably in the Alabama Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves from 1988 to 1997, with records confirming my service and honorable discharge,” Moore said in a statement. “I have never claimed service or honors I didn’t earn.”
“I was never in combat, and I never claimed to be,” he added in the video.
The scrutiny centers on two issues.
Moore’s name appeared on a 2024 letter criticizing then-vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s characterization of his own military service. Moore was listed as “Staff Sergeant – Army National Guard (Ret.).” His campaign said the title was supplied by the letter’s organizers, not by Moore. Records released by his campaign show he was discharged with a rank of Cadet at an E-6 pay grade, which corresponds to Staff Sergeant.
Critics also pointed to a 2020 campaign ad in which Moore said he had “been in those combat boots.” His campaign said members of the National Guard wear combat boots to train.
Moore pushed back against the broader suggestion that National Guard and Reserve service should be viewed differently than other military service.
“What I will not accept is attacking the 30,000 men and women of the Alabama National Guard and Reserves as not veterans,” Moore said. “That’s a garbage swamp tactic.”
Moore’s runoff opponent, former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, challenged Moore to release his DD-214, the standard military discharge document, and posted his own on social media. Moore’s campaign said he does not have a DD-214 because he did not serve on active duty beyond basic training, and that DD-214s were not required for National Guard members until a 2022 policy change.
Moore’s campaign also sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple Alabama news outlets that inquired about his service record ahead of any publication.
The Republican Senate runoff is June 16. Moore led the seven-candidate primary field with 39.18% of the vote and carries President Trump’s endorsement. Hudson finished second with 25.63%.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
