Montana’s Secret Role In America’s Defense

Montana’s Secret Role In America’s Defense

Photo by Central Press/Getty Images

Operation Epic Fury Highlights Montana’s Strategic Role

Over the weekend, the U.S. carried out "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran.

Seeing that news might make you wonder how many missile silos are actually in Montana.

Montana’s Cold War Minuteman ICBMs

Back in the Cold War, America rushed to set up thousands of Minuteman ICBM missile silos in case tensions with Russia got worse.

After the Cold War ended in 1991, most of those silos were decommissioned and torn down, except here in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

Today all the remaining missiles are handled by three bases: F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and Malmstrom Air Force Base right here in Great Falls.

Photo Credit: National Park Service//Canva
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Minuteman Missile Inventory Today

I was surprised to learn there are only about 450 Minuteman missiles left, with roughly 150 being controlled by each base. They are not going anywhere anytime soon either, as they are actually getting an upgrade.

The old Minuteman III ICBMs are being replaced with new Sentinel missiles, and the bases themselves, including control centers and support systems, are being upgraded as well.

These new missiles will be housed in Montana at least until 2070, so our slice of the Big Sky is staying on the strategic map for a long time.

LOOK: 15 Cities Most Likely Targeted During a Nuclear Attack

Nothing to worry about, but experts say these U.S. cities would be most likely to be attacked if America was the victim of a nuclear attack.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

KEEP SCROLLING: Inside Wyoming Missile Silo For Sale

There are decommissioned missile silos for sale in Wyoming.

Thermal nuclear device not included.

Now why would anyone want to own one of those?

Lets start by looking to the outside, then go in.

Well, because owning one is just such a cool idea.

So lets have a look at what the realtor is offering.

Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods

KEEP READING: The Top 10 Fastest Growing Towns In Montana

According to World Population Review these 10 cities in Montana had the biggest percentage of annualized growth since the 2020 census.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

Filed Under: Montana, north dakota

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