Candidate who exaggerated military service was entrusted with vital duties

Candidate was entrusted with vital military duties

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Since launching his campaign for U.S. Senate, Republican Mark Kirk has repeatedly exaggerated his military accomplishments: the conflicts he served in, the awards he received, even whether he came under enemy fire.

But an Associated Press review of military documents — as well as interviews with former colleagues, commanders and experts — shows Kirk has been an exceptional officer. If he had just discussed his actual military record, he would never have lacked for achievements to brag about.

Kirk spent 21 years in the Navy Reserve, earning the highest praise from his commanders. His duties included studying drug trafficking in Latin America, protecting American bombers over Kosovo and monitoring activity around the world for the Pentagon.

Kirk was praised for his speaking skills, his ability to master computer programs and his attention to detail when updating records.