Montana Air National Guard Fact Sheet

 

120^th Fighter Wing

 

Mission

 

The 120^th Fighter Wing has both a state and federal mission.  The dual mission, a provision of the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Code of Laws, results in each Guardsman holding membership in the National Guard of his or her state and in the National Guard of the United States.

 

Federal Mission

 

The 120^th Fighter Wing's federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies (such as natural disasters or civil disturbances.)  During peacetime, the 120^th Fighter Wing is assigned to Air Combat Command to carry out such missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness and contingency operations.  In addition to being assigned to Air Combat Command, the 120^th Fighter Wing is also assigned to the Expeditionary Aerospace Force.  The EAF concept is to provide rapidly responsive, tailored-to-need aerospace force capability on scheduled rotations.  This dual concept of the EAF provides guardsmen and airmen with a deployment schedule, while providing worldwide coverage in contingency theaters.

State Mission

 

When the 120^th Fighter Wing is not mobilized or under federal control, it reports to the governor of Montana.  The 120^th Fighter Wing is supervised by the adjutant general of the state, located in Helena, Mont. at the state headquarters.  Under state law, the Air National Guard provides protection of life property and preserves peace, order and public safety.  These missions are accomplished through emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to civil defense authorities; maintenance of vital public services and counterdrug operations.

 

Force Structure

 

The primary sources of full-time support for the 120^th Fighter Wing are the dual-status military technician and Guardsmen on active duty.  These people perform day-to-day management, administration and maintenance.  By law, dual-status military technicians are civil service employees of the federal government who must be military members of the unit that employs them.  Technicians train with the unit and are mobilized with it when it's activated.  Active-duty members serve under the command authority of their respective state governor until mobilized for federal duty.

 

Flying Functions and Capabilities

 

The Montana Air National Guard is considered a general-purpose fighter force and employs F-16C aircraft for this mission.

 

Support Unit Functions and Capabilities

 

Support units are essential to the Air Force mission.  The 120^th Fighter Wing has a staff of support personnel to meet the needs of our operational mission.  Support units include; 186^th Fighter Squadron, 120^th Wing Headquarters, 120^th Logistics Squadron, 120^th Logistics Support Flight, 120^th Operations Group, 120^th Support Group, 120^th Aircraft Generation Squadron, 120^th Security Forces Squadron, 120^th Medical Squadron, 120^th Maintenance Squadron, 120^th Communications Flight, 120^th Civil Engineering Squadron, 219^th RED HORSE Flight, 120^th Mission Support Flight, 120^th Operations Support Flight, 120^th Services Squadron and 120^th Supply Squadron.