Montana Army National Guard
| Montana Army National Guard | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1867 - present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Montana |
| Branch | Army National Guard |
| Type | ARNG Headquarters Command |
| Part of | Montana National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Helena, Montana |
The Montana Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army and the United States National Guard. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. National coordination of various state National Guard units are maintained through the National Guard Bureau.
Montana Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The Montana Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the state of Montana.
The Montana Army National Guard maintains facilities in 28 communities.
The Montana Army National Guard was originally formed in 1867. 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 Dec. 7, 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 at least until 1995.
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