National Defense
It's critical that we have a strong national defense. We must ensure that our troops at home and abroad have the tools they need to protect freedom and democracy across the globe. I'm committed to working together to ensure our military and our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to do their jobs.
FY2011 Defense Authorization Act Requests
To ensure transparency in the legislative process, below please find information on the five Montana military construction projects for which I have requested authorizations under the FY2011 Defense Authorization Act.
|
Name |
Location |
Requestor |
Amount |
Description |
|
Construct Physical Fitness Center, Phase II |
Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT |
341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB |
$10,000,000 |
This project will construct Phase II of a fitness center including indoor swimming pool, group exercise area, Health and Wellness Center, administrative offices, and racquetball courts. This center is vital at Malmstrom AFB for the health, morale, and welfare of the servicemen and women as well as to maintain a fitness level necessary for optimal performance during military operations. |
|
Construct Tactical Response Force Facility |
Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT |
341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB |
$10,000,000 |
This project will construct a new 25000 square foot Tactical Response Alert Facility adjacent to the base flight line. This facility is an integral part of weapons security and would address current shortcomings including storage, sleeping quarters for 17 Security Forces personnel and four helicopter crews; tactical operations control with TSIPR NRET capabilities, briefing room, an armory with an issue area, and classrooms. |
|
Fort Harrison Fire Station |
Fort Harrison, MT |
Montana National Guard |
$1,750,000 |
This project would allow for the Montana Army National Guard to provide adequate bays for new fire trucks and appropriately store firefighting equipment. With funding, an addition would be constructed to accommodate new larger vehicles, and firefighters would be able to store and maintain equipment at mission readiness. |
|
Reconstruct Miles City Readiness Center |
Miles City Armory, MT |
Montana Army National Guard |
$14,330,000 |
This project will construct a Readiness Center to replace the existing facility which was constructed in 1957. The current facility was originally constructed for an Armored Cavalry Unit, and is improperly designed and grossly undersized for the 260th Engineer Company that is the current occupant. |
|
Replace Military Working Dog Kennel |
Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT |
341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB |
$2,500,000 |
This project will construct a new support and administration building, a new kennel facility, and demolish the old facility. The new buildings will account for all phases of dog training for patrol and detection that takes place on the grounds and includes storage requirements for equipment connected to training, mobility, contingencies, and VIP protection. This project replaces a 55-year old facility which suffers from concerns about structural integrity. The kennels were condemned by the Army Veterinarian in 2003. |
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Our Troops
It is critical that we have a strong national defense. We must ensure that our troops at home and abroad have the tools they need to protect freedom and democracy around the globe. I'm committed to working together to ensure our men and women in uniform have everything they need to do their jobs.
Taking Care of our Troops
Whether they are serving overseas or living here at home, supporting our troops is my top defense priority.
Raising Military Pay
I have been fighting for years for increased pay for our troops. I strongly supported the pay raise for our troops included in the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Defense Authorization Bills. I believe this is the least we can do for the men and women who do so much to secure our freedom. You can bet that I will fight for another pay raise in this year’s defense bill as well.
Tax Relief for the Troops
To help get our nation's service members tax relief, I introduced the Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act. The bill helps members of the military, when they receive combat pay, to save for retirement or purchase their own homes. I've introduced this legislation because of the tremendous respect I have for our nation's military. This bill honors the sacrifices, great and small, that the men and women of the armed services make for our country each day. This legislation puts dollars in the pockets of soldiers and veterans, and gets rid of unnecessary tax restrictions on military families, who have much more important things to worry about than jumping through hoops and navigating red tape. I was proud to see these important provisions passed into law this year.
It is critical that we have a strong national defense. We must ensure that our troops at home and abroad have the tools they need to protect freedom and democracy around the globe. I'm committed to working together to ensure our men and women in uniform have everything they need to do their jobs.
Taking Care of our Troops
Whether they are serving overseas or living here at home, supporting our troops is my top defense priority.
Raising Military Pay
I have been fighting for years for increased pay for our troops. I strongly supported the pay raise for our troops included in the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Defense Authorization Bills. I believe this is the least we can do for the men and women who do so much to secure our freedom. You can bet that I will fight for another pay raise in this year’s defense bill as well.
Tax Relief for the Troops
To help get our nation's service members tax relief, I introduced the Defenders of Freedom Tax Relief Act. The bill helps members of the military, when they receive combat pay, to save for retirement or purchase their own homes. I've introduced this legislation because of the tremendous respect I have for our nation's military. This bill honors the sacrifices, great and small, that the men and women of the armed services make for our country each day. This legislation puts dollars in the pockets of soldiers and veterans, and gets rid of unnecessary tax restrictions on military families, who have much more important things to worry about than jumping through hoops and navigating red tape. I was proud to see these important provisions passed into law this year.
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Dealing with PTSD
Our troops have put their lives on the line in the name of freedom and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help return to their families and lives back home. Our men and women in uniform are the most honorable and brave individuals I know, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure they are safe, whether they are in Iraq or Afghanistan or right here at home.
I’m extremely proud to have worked closely with the Montana National Guard to improve the care all troops receive after they come home from war. I introduced and helped pass legislation modeled after a program currently used by the Montana National Guard. The bill will require the military to provide a mental health assessment for every Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor after he or she returns from combat and no later than six, twelve, and twenty-four months after they come home. The purpose of the assessments will be to identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues to identify which service members are in need of additional health care and treatment. The assessments will be provided in a private, clinical setting by licensed mental-health professionals or personnel trained and certified to perform such assessments.
Our troops have put their lives on the line in the name of freedom and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help return to their families and lives back home. Our men and women in uniform are the most honorable and brave individuals I know, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure they are safe, whether they are in Iraq or Afghanistan or right here at home.
I’m extremely proud to have worked closely with the Montana National Guard to improve the care all troops receive after they come home from war. I introduced and helped pass legislation modeled after a program currently used by the Montana National Guard. The bill will require the military to provide a mental health assessment for every Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor after he or she returns from combat and no later than six, twelve, and twenty-four months after they come home. The purpose of the assessments will be to identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues to identify which service members are in need of additional health care and treatment. The assessments will be provided in a private, clinical setting by licensed mental-health professionals or personnel trained and certified to perform such assessments.
CRISIS HOTLINE
The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors.
If you are a veteran in crisis or know someone who is, call: 1-800-273-TALK, Veterans Press 1.
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Protecting Malmstrom Air Force Base
As a member of the Air Force and Space Power Caucus in Congress, I have fought hard to keep the Malmstrom mission secure.
I have been a leader in bringing a new mission to Malmstrom. I met with the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force in Great Falls to highlight the many assets Malmstrom has to offer. I asked Secretary Donley and General Schwartz to take a hard look at bringing new missions to Malmstrom, including initiating an active association with the Montana Air National Guard.
I've been hard at work ensuring Malmstrom remains a world-class military facility. I helped secure $140 million for the housing units that were needed to accommodate the growing needs of military families and personnel. I also fought to secure seven million dollars to build a new community activities center, and secured $13.5 million for a new physical fitness center. This facility is vital for the health, morale and welfare of the military personnel, readying them for their missions.
I also fought to save the Montana Air National Guard's mission in Montana. After a Pentagon report recommended moving the mission to another state, I hosted meetings with other missile state Senators and coordinated with General James Cartwright, former commander of STRATCOM, and General Tom Deppe, former commander of the 20th Air Force. My leadership led to the restoration of the Montana Air National Guard's mission, saving nearly a thousand jobs for the Great Falls community. Our advocacy on behalf of the Montana Air National Guard has also helped land Great Falls on the Air Force's road map of future sites for F-35s, which demonstrates that the future of the Montana Air National Guard's mission is secure.
Senator Tester and I will continue to fight for the future of Malmstrom and the Montana Air National Guard.
As a member of the Air Force and Space Power Caucus in Congress, I have fought hard to keep the Malmstrom mission secure.
I have been a leader in bringing a new mission to Malmstrom. I met with the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force in Great Falls to highlight the many assets Malmstrom has to offer. I asked Secretary Donley and General Schwartz to take a hard look at bringing new missions to Malmstrom, including initiating an active association with the Montana Air National Guard.
I've been hard at work ensuring Malmstrom remains a world-class military facility. I helped secure $140 million for the housing units that were needed to accommodate the growing needs of military families and personnel. I also fought to secure seven million dollars to build a new community activities center, and secured $13.5 million for a new physical fitness center. This facility is vital for the health, morale and welfare of the military personnel, readying them for their missions.
I also fought to save the Montana Air National Guard's mission in Montana. After a Pentagon report recommended moving the mission to another state, I hosted meetings with other missile state Senators and coordinated with General James Cartwright, former commander of STRATCOM, and General Tom Deppe, former commander of the 20th Air Force. My leadership led to the restoration of the Montana Air National Guard's mission, saving nearly a thousand jobs for the Great Falls community. Our advocacy on behalf of the Montana Air National Guard has also helped land Great Falls on the Air Force's road map of future sites for F-35s, which demonstrates that the future of the Montana Air National Guard's mission is secure.
Senator Tester and I will continue to fight for the future of Malmstrom and the Montana Air National Guard.
