Malmstrom Air Force Base might have been one of the military’s best-kept secrets, but the trend to embrace all things Montana has taken over and is here to stay. All you need to do is watch a vast collection of real estate and home shows dedicated to the Big Sky country to grasp the state’s popularity. There’s a lot of rugged goodness to behold within the breathtaking Montana landscape.
Get to Know Malmstrom AFB
Malmstrom AFB is located in west-central Montana, on the eastern edge of Great Falls. The base has approximately 3,200 active duty members assigned there. These service members bring with them an additional 3,300 family members who live, work, and utilize the base’s services and amenities.
Who Works at Malmstrom AFB
The 341st Wing, headquartered at Malmstrom AFB, is one of three U.S. Air Force Bases that operate, maintain, and secure the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The 341st Missile Wing reports directly to the Air Force Global Strike Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
Other support-specific Malmstrom AFB tenants include the 341st Maintenance Group, 341st Medical Group, 341st Mission Support Group, 341st Operations Group, and the 341st Security Forces Group, as well as the 819th Red Horse Squadron.
The base's other major weapons systems are the UH-1N Huey helicopter, assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron, and the MH-139A Grey Wolf, assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron.
Malmstrom AFB Amenities
Family activities include arts and crafts, bowling, the library, auto skills, an indoor playground, the theater, a fitness center, a thrift store, and both indoor and outdoor swimming. But the true gems are the free and affordable activities connected to outdoor adventures like horseback riding.
Sun Plaza Park and Pow Wow Park are the most popular locations for group events, picnicking, and fishing. The outdoor recreation office also rents numerous equipment packages for campers, including tent camping gear, sporting equipment, and outdoor games.
On base, you’ll also find a commissary, Exchange, and Sheppard, and one child development center.
Malmstrom AFB Housing Options
Military members with experience living in high cost-of-living areas like the National Capital Region or bases in California might consider the cost of living in areas around Malmstrom AFB more affordable, but they’ll run into the same problem as other military families on the move across the country—a shortage of affordable properties to buy and rent.
Great Falls and neighboring cities, such as Sun Prairie, Black Eagle, and Belt, offer single-family homes and apartments for incoming military families to secure. However, with limited inventory, you’ll need to be diligent during your PCS house hunt to find a home that suits your family.
Search for available Malmstrom AFB Homes on MilitaryByOwner.
On-Base Housing
Malmstrom AFB offers privatized housing for those interested in taking advantage of on-base living perks. Balfour Beatty Communities manages Malmstrom’s neighborhoods.
The company offers a mix of spacious two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes with garages and fenced yards. Many community members enjoy the neighborhood’s walkability and amenities, such as an indoor heated pool and dog park.
Malmstrom AFB Schools
Kids living on Malmstrom attend the Great Falls Public School System. It has 15 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. If you choose to live off base, these are connected school systems.
- Belt Public Schools
- Cascade Public Schools
- Centerville Public Schools
- Sun River Valley School District
- Ulm Public School District
Contact the School Liaison Office at 406-731-4900 if you need support.
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels via Canva.com
Military Spouses
Many military spouses take advantage of their time stationed at Malmstrom AFB by continuing their education, pursuing professional development, and boosting their volunteering portfolio, possibly through the Malmstrom Spouses Club.
Spouses should contact the Career Focus Program at the Malmstrom Airman and Family Readiness Center for more information about specialized programming for career exploration, job hunting, resume help, and other services. These services provide contacts for work and education opportunities in Great Falls. The center will also guide spouses through the process of relicensure reimbursement and career progression through MySECO, part of Military OneSource.
Read our Ultimate Guide for Military Spouse Employment to kick off your job or career search.
Malmstrom AFB Weather
Fans of cold weather, snow, and outdoor activities that come with the chilly weather will thrive at Malmstrom. The cold season is long, the summers are short, the spring and fall are divine, and there’s a good bit of wind to plan for.
Malmstrom Weather Facts:
- Average temperature range: 18°F to 87°F
- January temperatures: 35° highs and 15° lows
- July temperatures: 84° highs and 52° lows
- Wind gusts can measure up to 60 miles per hour
- Snow average per year: 60 inches
Things to Do near Malmstrom AFB
Central Montana is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of the season, especially in Great Falls. It’s a storied city thanks to the thorough documentation about the majestic landscape from explorers Lewis and Clark. In fact, Great Falls is home to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Interpretive Center, a huge draw for military families to explore.
Are you driving cross country through Montana? There’s few stops you shouldn’t miss! Fun Stops for the Whole Family on I-90 from Seattle to Boston.
Great Falls is often referred to as Base Camp due to its convenient location near many popular sites, including Glacier, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks. The city also sits within four mountain ranges, three rivers, two wilderness areas, and one wildlife refuge, so adventure is always just around the corner. If you must leave, the Great Falls International Airport is about a 10-minute drive away from Malmstrom.
In Electric City (nicknamed due to five hydroelectric dams), there are over 50 miles of scenic trails that run alongside the Missouri River. You can easily spend the day walking, dining, and enjoying the art and culture scene in Great Falls, with 11 museums and more than 25 wall murals scattered throughout the town.
There’s no need for hesitation if PCS orders to Malmstrom AFB come your way. Many military families before you have thrived in the area and hoped to return. Your family will have endless things to do throughout the year. There’s no denying that this region of the U.S. has blossomed over the last decade, thanks to the influx of people who crave wide-open spaces and majestic beauty. So, boost your cold-weather gear collection and start planning adventure after adventure. 
