Full Description
Although the history of the Montana National Guard is still being written as its members continue to serve around the globe, the seeds of this long-standing military organization germinated in 1867, when the territory's acting governor organized a rag-tag militia force in response to widespread fear of impending Indian uprisings against the white population. It was a fiasco that cost the government dearly. Yet from that humble beginning arose a far more worthy band of soldiers, serving honorably during natural disasters, the Spanish-American War, the Mexican border crises, labor disputes, both World Wars, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and more.Splendid Service recounts the proud moments and important achievements, and the painful failures and heart-breaking sacrifices, that the Montana National Guard experienced from 1867 to the end of the twentieth century. It chronicles how state, national, or international developments in politics, law, funding, public sentiment, and more affected the role Guardsmen played in assisting or protecting local communities, federal and state agencies, and the United States. The volume describes the process of repeated reorganizing and restructuring as state and federal governments sought to meet new challenges. It highlights some of the individuals whose contributions fostered the success of Montana's armed forces, and describes the difficulties its leaders faced, including lack of funding and supplies, inadequate facilities and training camps, and the state's large geographic area. Other aspects of military life, such as the daily camp routine, drills and training, competitions, and advances in equipment are detailed as well. The long-standing and commendable service of the Montana National Guard has indeed left a legacy for future generations.
Contents
Foreword by Brigadier General Bill YeagerForeword by Brigadier General Hal Stearns
Introduction and Acknowledgments by Orlan J. Svingen
Contributors
1. Stampede! The Montana Territorial Volunteers of 1867
2. Men, Do Your Duty: Montana Territory, 1876-1889
3. From Territorial Militia to State National Guard, 1889-1897
4. Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War, 1898-1899
5. Dick Act and National Reorganization, 1900-1910
6. Trials of Reorganization: Peacekeepers or Tin Soldiers, 1911-1914
7. "Splendid Service": The Mexican Border, Labor Conflict, and World War I, 1915-1919
8. Rebuilding to Stability: The 1920s
9. From Peace to War: The 1930s
10. Answering FDR's Call to Arms: The 163rd Infantry Regiment, 1940-1942
11. Twenty-two Days of Combat in Papua: The Sanananda Front, 1943
12. Island Hopping in the Pacific: New Guinea and The Philippines, 1943-1945
13. Post World War II Period: Reorganization, 1945-1955
14. Building a Cold War Army and National Guard Partner, 1955-1965
15. Reserve Forces Act (1955): 6-Months Active Duty, Monthly Training, and 2-Week Summer Camp, 1955-1965
16. The Vietnam Era, 1965-1975
17. Total Force Policy and the Post-Vietnam Era, 1976-1990
18. "Brave Cameras": 103rd Public Affairs Detachment, Gulf War, 1990-1991
19. Launching an Air Squadron into the Big Sky
20. Air Defense and State Service: The Montana Air National Guard, 1947-1998
Epilogue--Operation Big Sky: Reorganization in the Modern Era, by Colonel Raymond K. Read
