Montana Guard validates joint sling load capability

Airmen assigned to the 219th Red Horse Squadron prepare to attach an MEP-806 power generator to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation) for sling-load operations during a joint field training exercise at Fort Harrison, Montana, June 26, 2026. The exercise strengthened the Montana National Guard's domestic operations capabilities by integrating Army aviation and Air National Guard engineering expertise.

Airmen assigned to the 219th Red Horse Squadron connect sling-load rigging to an MEP-806 power generator before it is lifted by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation) during a joint field training exercise at Fort Harrison, Montana, June 26, 2026. The mission validated a joint operational capability between the Montana Army and Air National Guard, strengthening the Montana National Guard's domestic operations capabilities.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1st Battalion (General Support Aviation), 189th Aviation Regiment, transports an MEP-806 power generator by sling load during a joint field training exercise at Fort Harrison, Montana, June 26, 2026. The mission validated a new operational capability between the Montana Army National Guard and the 219th Red Horse Squadron, strengthening the Montana National Guard's domestic operations capabilities through joint aviation and engineering training.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1st Battalion (General Support Aviation), 189th Aviation Regiment, transports an MEP-806 power generator to the Limestone Hills, Montana, June 26, 2026. The generator was delivered to provide power to a tower during a field training exercise designed to strengthen the Montana National Guard's domestic operations capabilities. The mission marked the first operational sling load with a defined end-state between the 1-189th GSAB and the 219th Red Horse Squadron.

Airmen assigned to the 219th Red Horse Squadron observe as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1st Battalion (General Support Aviation), 189th Aviation Regiment positions an MEP-806 power generator during a joint sling load mission at Fort Harrison, Montana, June 26, 2026. The training strengthened interoperability between the Montana Army and Air National Guard while validating the air movement of critical engineering equipment.

An Airman assigned to the 219th Red Horse Squadron positions an MEP-806 power generator after it was delivered by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation) during a joint field training exercise at Fort Harrison, Montana, June 26, 2026. The mission marked the first joint sling load between the two units with a defined operational objective, strengthening the Montana National Guard's domestic operations capabilities.

An Airman assigned to the 219th Red Horse Squadron inspects sling load rigging before an MEP-806 power generator is transported during a joint field training exercise at Fort Harrison, Montana, June 26, 2026. Sling load operations require specialized inspection and rigging procedures to ensure the safe external transport of equipment by Army aviation assets.

FORT HARRISON, Mont. — Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation), and Airmen from the 219th Red Horse Squadron successfully executed the first operational joint sling load mission between the two units June 26, during a field training exercise designed to strengthen the Montana National Guard’s domestic operations capabilities.

During the mission, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 1-189th GSAB transported an MEP-806 power generator by sling load from Fort Harrison to the Limestone Hills Training Area, where the generator was installed to provide power to a tower.

Although the two units have trained together on sling load procedures in the past, this marked the first mission with a defined operational end state: delivering and employing the generator at its destination. The mission demonstrated the Montana National Guard’s ability to integrate Army aviation and Air National Guard engineering capabilities to accomplish real-world objectives.

“This training is about building capability before it’s needed,” said Brig. Gen. Trent Gibson, the adjutant general of Montana. “When our Soldiers and Airmen combine their unique capabilities, we become a stronger and more capable organization. Exercises like this strengthen our readiness and ensure we’re prepared whenever we’re called upon.”

The operation required planning and coordination between Army aviators and Airmen from the 219th Red Horse Squadron. Army flight crews completed flight planning and final sling load inspections, while Red Horse personnel inspected, rigged and certified the MEP-806 power generator for external transport.

“Working alongside the Montana Army National Guard makes both organizations stronger,” said Master Sgt. Matthew Ammons, an engineering craftsman assigned to the 219th Red Horse Squadron. “By combining our engineering capabilities with Army aviation, we’re able to respond more effectively to whatever mission our state or nation requires.”

The mission also highlighted the specialized training required to safely conduct sling load operations. Several members of the 219th Red Horse Squadron have completed Air Assault School, earning certification in sling load procedures and bringing those skills back to Montana.

“These missions begin with extensive training,” Ammons said. “Several of our Airmen have completed Air Assault School, where they earn certification in sling load operations and other specialized skills. That training allows us to safely move personnel, equipment and resources by air wherever they’re needed.”

Following delivery to the Limestone Hills Training Area, the generator was installed to power the tower, completing the mission’s operational objective and validating a capability to support future domestic operations.

“Every organization involved in domestic operations brings unique capabilities to the mission,” said Master Sgt. Robert Johnson, logistics superintendent for the 219th Red Horse Squadron. “The 219th Red Horse has specialized equipment and engineering expertise, while the Army provides the aviation capability to move us and our equipment. When we come together, our ability to reach locations across Montana is multiplied, allowing us to respond faster and more effectively.”

The joint mission was one of several events conducted during the field training exercise, which focused on strengthening the Montana National Guard’s domestic operations capabilities through realistic, integrated training. By successfully transporting and employing an MEP-806 power generator at Limestone Hills, Soldiers and Airmen validated a capability that further strengthens the Montana National Guard’s ability to operate as a unified force in support of state and federal missions.

Montana Guard validates joint sling load capability

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