Military Bases in Montana
The unofficial survival guide for military families in Montana.
Air Force Bases
Malmstrom AFB
Located in Malmstrom Afb, Montana
Malmstrom AFB in Malmstrom Afb, Montana is a pivotal United States Air Force installation, home to the 341st Missile Wing. The base is known for its role in operating and maintaining Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.
Montana’s Nuclear Defense Bastion
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Montana, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls is the state’s premier military installation, serving as a cornerstone for nuclear deterrence and helicopter operations. As home to one of three U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile fields, Malmstrom anchors Montana’s strategic importance. This guide to military bases in Montana offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Treasure State.
Historical Foundations
Montana’s military history began with frontier forts and grew during WWII. Malmstrom Air Force Base was established in 1942 as Great Falls Army Air Base, training B-17 Flying Fortress crews. Renamed in 1955 for Col. Einar A. Malmstrom, a WWII POW killed in a 1954 crash, it became a Strategic Air Command hub in 1961, managing Minuteman ICBMs. Fort William Henry Harrison, founded in 1892 near Helena, served as a cavalry post and later a National Guard training site. These bases highlight Montana’s enduring role in national defense, particularly in nuclear strategy.
Economic Impact
Malmstrom Air Force Base drives Montana’s economy, contributing over $500 million annually and sustaining 7,000 jobs in Great Falls and Cascade County. The base’s 5,000-acre campus employs 3,500 military and civilian personnel, supporting local businesses through contracts and spending. Families access 1,000 housing units, DoDDS schools (Great Falls Public Schools partnership), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, including 2025 Missouri River kayaking and Great Falls’ Giant Springs State Park outings, enrich community life. Additional facilities like Fort William Henry Harrison and Montana Air National Guard Base add $100 million and 1,000 jobs, boosting Helena and regional economies.
Key Military Facilities
Malmstrom Air Force Base (Great Falls): Hosts the 341st Missile Wing, managing 150 Minuteman III ICBMs, and the 40th Helicopter Squadron with UH-1N Hueys, supporting 3,500 personnel.
Montana Air National Guard Base (Great Falls): Home to the 120th Airlift Wing with C-130H Hercules, supporting 1,000 personnel for airlift and wildfire response.
Fort William Henry Harrison (Helena): A National Guard training center for the 95th Troop Command, hosting 1,000 trainees annually for leadership and logistics.
Strategic Importance
Malmstrom Air Force Base is a pillar of U.S. nuclear deterrence. The 341st Missile Wing oversees 150 Minuteman III ICBMs across 13,800 square miles, ensuring 25% of the nation’s land-based nuclear arsenal, with a 2024 transition to LGM-35A Sentinel missiles enhancing readiness. The 40th Helicopter Squadron conducts 1,000 UH-1N missions annually, providing missile field security and search-and-rescue. Montana Air National Guard Base’s 120th Airlift Wing supports 500 C-130H missions, aiding wildfire response and NATO airlift. Fort William Henry Harrison trains 1,000 Guard members for domestic operations. In 2024, Malmstrom completed missile upgrades, with 2025 exercises planned, despite unconfirmed drone reports.
Notable Distinctions
Malmstrom Air Force Base, spanning 5,000 acres, is one of three U.S. bases managing Minuteman III ICBMs, with a $1.4 billion infrastructure for nuclear and helicopter operations. Montana Air National Guard Base is the state’s only Air Guard facility, operating C-130Hs for global and regional missions. Fort William Henry Harrison is Montana’s largest Guard training site, with 1,000 acres for live-fire exercises. Malmstrom offers 1,000 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like Great Falls’ 2025 air shows and Helena’s Last Chance Stampede, fostering a tight-knit community in Montana’s wide-open spaces.
U.S. service members on PCS to Montana or TDY in Montana will find mission-critical roles and vibrant communities at Malmstrom Air Force Base. From Great Falls’ scenic rivers to Helena’s historic trails, Montana’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable experiences for military families.