Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, has accelerated his preparations for his Oct. 1 debate against Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), participating in policy sessions and mock debates in his home state and on the road.

Vance joined the Marine Corps in 2003 under the name James D. Hamel and served a four-year enlistment as a combat correspondent. He deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from August 2005 to February 2006. His last duty station was Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.