Our cost-of-living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Great Falls is cheaper than the US average. A cost-of-living index above 100 means Great Falls, Montana is more expensive. Great Falls cost of living is 90.3.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
The 341st Missile Wing, headquartered at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, is one of three U.S. Air Force Bases that operates, maintains and secures the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The 341st Missile Wing reports directly to 20th Air Force, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, and is part of Air Force Global Strike Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Mission: “Defend America with combat-ready Airmen and ICBM forces.”
Vision: “Remain the most dominant nuclear-capable force in the world, ready at all times to employ the most powerful weapon system in human existence.”
People Approximately 4,000 people, including more than 3,300 active-duty and 600 civilians, comprise the 341st Missile Wing.OrganizationsThe 341st Missile Wing is made up of a wing staff and five groups - the 341st Operations Group, 341st Maintenance Group, 341st Mission Support Group, 341st Security Forces Group and 341st Medical Group. The base is also host to two tenant squadrons, the 819th RED HORSE Squadron and the 40th Helicopter Squadron, as well as multiple other tenant units.
Malmstrom's history began in 1939, when the Chamber of Commerce contacted Montana’s senators to request the establishment of a military installation in Great Falls. Construction on Great Falls Army Air Base began in June 1942. On November 30, 1942, the first B-17 Flying Fortress landed at Great Falls Army Air Base. Great Falls was a northern tier location for heavy bomber training. The B-17 training program ended in October 1943. Through the Lend Lease Program aircraft and supplies were given to the Soviet Union to fight the German Army. This continued until September 1945, when World War II ended. In 1954, the Vice Commander, Col. Einar Axel Malmstrom, died when his T-33 crashed. Although his tenure was short, he was well liked by the local community.
On June 15th, 1956, the base was officially dedicated as Malmstrom AFB. Since the first B-17 landed here, Malmstrom has had a variety of missions. The first Minuteman ICBM arrived on base by rail July 23, 1962. Later that year the missiles assigned to the nations first Minuteman ICBM wing would play a major role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. President Kennedy said the Soviets backed down because they knew he had an "Ace in the Hole," referring directly to the Minuteman missiles of the 10th Missile Squadron. For more history visit Malmstrom's homepage.
People
Great Falls - 58,835
Malmstrom Air Force Base - approximately 3,800 people, including more than 3,100 active-duty and 635 civilians, comprise the 341st Missile Wing.
Great Falls is home to over 58,000 residents making it Montana’s third largest city.
Malmstrom is the youngest community in Montana and the youngest workforce in the Air Force. Forty four percent of officers are Lieutenants and 53% of enlisted are Airmen-Staff Sergeants. Of our more than 3,800 employees, 83% are military members and 17% are civilian employees.
Malmstrom is located in Great Falls, Montana. Great Falls has a hometown atmosphere, the people are friendly and the city is clean. The area is filled with scenic beauty & natural wonders.
We take great pride in the City of Great Falls and the quality of life we provide our residents. With safe neighborhoods, great schools, abundant recreational opportunities, excellent health care facilities combined with the majestic Montana landscape right in our own backyards – what else could a resident ask for?
Great Falls is home to over 58,000 residents making it Montana’s third largest city. Residents can take advantage of over 40 miles of River’s Edge Trail, can picnic at Gibson Park and Giant Springs Heritage State Park or peruse art at the C.M. Russell Museum or the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, which offer some of our Country’s finest western and contemporary art.
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park offer opportunities to explore Montana’s heritage and history. The Electric City Water Park offers fun for the whole family. Golf fans can take advantage of the community’s four golf courses and the dog park and skate park are popular community amenities.
Great Falls has been described as the perfect blend of big city excitement and small town charm. From local restaurants and unique shopping boutiques, to cultural events and performances at the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts, to skiing and outdoor activities just minutes away there is truly something for everyone to enjoy right here in Great Falls.
Local resources:
The Great Falls International Airport serves the Great Falls area and is approx. 9 miles west of MAFB. Taxis or rental cars are readily available at the airport but it is suggested that you have your sponsor transport you to the base. There are no military shuttles from the airport to the base. There is a commercial mass transit bus service in Great Falls but has limited schedules.
From the Airport take Interstate 15N to the 10 Ave South Exit. Head East on 10 Ave South to the East side of Great Falls and take 57st N about 1 mile to the MAFB gate.
The installation is located adjacent to and East of the city of Great Falls in North Central Montana.
The city is approachable from the South, via Interstate 15 from the cities of Butte and Helena. From the West on Highway 200 from the city of Missoula. From the East on Highway 87 from the city of Lewistown. From the Northeast on Highway 87 from the city of Havre, and from the North on Interstate 15 from the city of Shelby.
Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
406-731-1110 or DSN 312-632-1110 - Automated system
Release 2023.08.17.1