When the Montana National Guard outgrew its existing facilities in Helena, it became clear that a new approach was needed to support training, administration, and day-to-day operations. Our team was tasked with transforming the Readiness Center, adding 120,000 square feet of new construction while renovating the existing structure to ensure compliance, efficiency, and long-term adaptability.

The expansion includes new training and administrative spaces, vehicle storage, gate houses, and an Emergency Operations Center with secure support and datacom infrastructure. These upgrades address decades of evolving missions, from the building’s original design as an attack battalion armory in 1995 to its current role as a general support aviation battalion. With personnel strength consistently exceeding capacity, the previous classrooms, restrooms, and assembly areas could no longer serve the Guard’s needs, especially during high-demand drill weekends.

Completed in 2017, the state-of-the-art facility now offers training rooms, offices, secure vaults, maintenance areas, showers, lockers, and a fitness center. A large assembly hall anchors the building, providing much-needed space for gatherings and operations. The Helena Aviation Readiness Center today reflects both mission preparedness and investment in the people who serve.