Moving to Malmstrom Air Force Base
Malmstrom sits on the eastern edge of Great Falls and is home to the 341st Missile Wing, which operates Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles spread across central Montana. Families get a small-city feel with short drives, big-sky scenery and long, windy winters, and the national parks of the northern Rockies are within a day's drive.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Great Falls, MT |
| Airports | Great Falls International (GTF), roughly a 10-minute drive from the base |
| Climate | Long, cold, windy winters (January highs near 35F, lows near 15F, around 60 inches of snow a year) and short, mild summers. |
| Cost of living | Housing inventory is tight, so rentals and purchases can be pricier than the small-city setting suggests. |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (privatized; office in the same building as the Military Housing Office) |
| Medical care | Malmstrom Medical Clinic (341st Medical Group) |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center / Military and Family Support Center |
Where families live
On-base family housing
Two- to four-bedroom homes with garages and fenced yards, plus a heated indoor pool and dog park; run by Balfour Beatty and subject to a waitlist.
Great Falls (east side)
Closest in-town option for single-family homes and apartments; competitive when inventory is low.
Great Falls (other neighborhoods)
The wider city offers a mix of older homes and apartments; start looking early because inventory is limited.
Sun Prairie
Smaller community on the edge of Great Falls with single-family homes and a quieter feel.
Black Eagle
Small town adjoining Great Falls with single-family housing, favored by those wanting a quiet setting.
Belt
Small town southeast of Great Falls for families wanting acreage and a rural lifestyle.
Schools
Children in on-base housing attend Great Falls Public Schools, which runs elementary, middle and high schools across the city. Families living farther out may be zoned to smaller districts such as Belt, Cascade, Centerville, Sun River Valley or Ulm. There are no DoDEA schools; the School Liaison Office can help with enrollment questions.
- Great Falls Public Schools — Serves the city and on-base housing; early learning through grade 12.
Malmstrom School Liaison Office (406-731-4900, via the Airman & Family Readiness Center)
Things to do near Malmstrom Air Force Base
- Giant Springs State ParkoutdoorsLarge freshwater spring beside the Missouri River with trails and a fish hatchery.
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive CentermuseumMuseum on the Missouri River telling the story of the Corps of Discovery.
- C.M. Russell MuseummuseumShowcases the art of the famed Western painter and his studio.
- Gibson ParkfamilyCentral city park with ponds, paths and summer events.
- Ulm Pishkun State ParkoutdoorsHistoric buffalo jump with sweeping prairie views a short drive southwest.
- Glacier National Parkday-tripMajor national park in northwest Montana, popular for summer and fall trips from Great Falls.
- Missouri River recreationoutdoorsFishing, floating and trails along the river that runs through town.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Career Focus Program (Airman & Family Readiness Center)Base program offering job and education help for military spouses.
PCS tips for Malmstrom Air Force Base
- Housing inventory in Great Falls is limited, so contact the Military Housing Office as soon as you have orders and start the off-base search early.
- You must get housing counseling from the Military Housing Office before signing any lease or purchase contract.
- Pack and prepare for wind and long winters; gusts can reach 60 mph and snow tires or all-wheel drive are worth planning for.
- Great Falls International Airport is only about 10 minutes from the base, which makes arrival logistics easy.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Mountain West
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.