Montana Army National Guard

The National Guard has a unique dual mission that consists of both Federal and State roles. For state missions, the governor, through the state Adjutant General, commands Guard forces. The governor can call the National Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, fires, earthquakes or civil disturbances. The state mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law." In addition, the President of the United States can activate the National Guard for participation in federal missions. Examples of federal activations include Guard units deployed to Kosovo and the Sinai for stabilization operations, and units deployed to the Middle East and other locations in the war on terrorism. When federalized, Guard units are commanded by the Combatant Commander of the theatre in which they are operating. The federal mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide properly trained and equipped units for prompt mobilization for war, National emergency or as otherwise needed."

The Montana Army National Guard was originally formed in 1867. The 163d Infantry dates its history to independent companies grouped together around 1900. The Militia Act of 1903 organized the various state militias into the present National Guard system. The 163rd Infantry Regiment of the Montana Guard formed part of the 41st Infantry Division, which fought through the Pacific during World War II. The Regiment was inducted into the Regular Army in September 1940, and were sent to Camp Murray at Fort Lewis, Washington. They participated in large-scale military exercises in California in 1941. On 7 Dec. 1941 small units were detailed to guard the Washington coastline from Japanese saboteurs. In March 1942 they were sent to Australia. Their engagements included the Battle of Buna-Gona, the Salamaua-Lae campaign, Operations Reckless and Persecution and the Battle of Biak, as well as the liberation of the Philippines. In September 1945 the Regiment went ashore at Hiro, Japan as part of the occupation of that country. By this time most of the original Montanan troops had been discharged. The Montana ARNG maintained the 163rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (whose roots date back to 1884), at least until 1988. In 1985 its units included the 1/163 Cavalry, the 2/163 Cavalry, the 3/163 Cavalry (based in Texas), an Air Troop, an Attack Helicopter Troop (based in Utah), and the 1063rd Engineer Company. The MT ARNG maintained the 163rd Armored Brigade until 1995. When the 163rd Armored Brigade disbanded, the 1-163 Battalion was reassigned to the 116th Cavalry Brigade headquartered in Idaho. Commonly referred to as "the Griz Battalion", the 1-163rd at first was designated as a Cavalry Regiment in 1953, named the 163rd Cavalry Regiment. The unit was renamed the 1-163rd Infantry Battalion during the 2006 reorganization of the Montana Army National Guard, and has been re-designated as Cavalry once again, combining mechanized infantry with Abrams tank units. In April 2010, the 163rd Cavalry Regiment (formerly the 1-163 Infantry) received mobilization orders and prepared to deploy to the Middle East for the second time in five years.

The 120th Airlift Wing has both a state and federal mission. The 120th Airlift Wing's federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies. When the 120th Airlift Wing is not mobilized or under federal control, it reports to the governor of Montana. Under state law, the Air National Guard provides protection of life property and preserves peace, order and public safety. These missions include emergency support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires, search and rescue operations and support to civil authorities.

The 120th Airlift Wing originated in 1947 as the 186th Fighter Squadron, flying F-51's and saw combat in Korea in 1951 - 1952. In 1953, the 186th was the first Air National Guard unit to receive the F-86 Sabre Jet along with the task of providing aerial combat capability for our nation's air defense system. The transition into the F-89C Scorpion in 1955 provided an all weather capability fighter interceptor for more than 10 years and included the "H" and "J" models. The 186th Fighter Squadron was expanded in 1966 with the receipt of the F-102A Delta Dagger and upgraded to the F-106 Delta Dart in 1972. In 1987 the 120th Fighter Wing continued their tradition of combat readiness with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the world's leading multi-role fighter.
Click for Full History