As word from Congressman Denny Rehberg spread yesterday about the Montana Air National Guard losing its fighters (first reported here at The Western Word) and being the preferred location for only four C-27J transport aircraft, it appears some were quick to call it a win or a victory for Great Falls, Cascade County, and the state of Montana.

I heard from a source that pats on the back, champagne and sparkling cider were mentioned as celebratory drinks for all those who took part in this big “victory.”

I hate to bring the community leaders down to earth, especially those in the Chamber and Development Authority, but this announcement is far from a “victory.” About the only “victory” in this whole deal is that the Air Guard will still have four airplanes. It could have been none.

There’s no word about the loss of personnel; but one does not have to be an expert in rocket science to understand that when you go from 18 fighter jets to four transport planes; it will take less people for the mission. Some local “experts” say the loss of personnel could be 40%.

KRTV, which was the leader from the mainstream media in reporting on this story said, “MANG currently has 1,100 employees; we’ve been told the C-27J mission would support a staff of around 400.”

That could mean the loss of 700 people. If a local business said they were cutting 700 jobs or 40% of their workforce, I doubt it could be called a victory even by the most astute CEO or Chairman.

As normal, there was some confusion about the announcement from those offering comments and from those reporting on the story. Many of the people reporting and commenting about the story do not know the difference between the Air Force and the Air Guard or a turbo prop from a jet or a Minuteman III from a bottle rocket.

One would think with the Guard and the Malmstrom being so important to the Great Falls area economy, the head of the local military group would have some military experience or the economic development group would have someone with military experience employed or the local paper would have a reporter employed with some idea or expertise in the military.

It appears they just don’t care enough, but there’s still time.

Fortunately, Rehberg got it from the start. His best line in his press release contained this statement, “The news that our Air Guard landed a C-27J mission is overshadowed by the loss of our F-15s. Montana keeps trading horses, and each time, we’re a little closer to the ground.”

It’s too bad Rehberg is not in the Senate.

Senator Jon Tester from Missoula (and not from his tractor in Big Sandy) said, “I appreciate that the Air Force plans to keep a flying mission at Great Falls.”

Rah, rah, senator. Maybe there will be a cup of sparkling cider waiting for you at the local development authority office.

Senator Max Baucus was quoted (probably from his junket in China) by the Great Falls Tribune saying, “…we’ve got to fight for new opportunities not only to maintain but to expand military missions in Great Falls.”

How long has Baucus been saying this?

Rehberg is correct. Tester is just a cheerleader. Baucus has been the “powerful” “senior Senator” through all of the major losses concerning the military in Great Falls.

As I commented before, Montana’s skies appear to be closed. The congressional delegation does not support expanding the Powder River Training Complex which sent negative signals to those in positions to move aircraft to Montana. Maybe this is payback.

The cold hard fact is that Montana’s congressional delegation has no clout to fight for anything dealing with a new flying mission or any military mission whatsoever. They have no leverage. Sadly, they also lack personnel who understand the military, especially Malmstrom and the Air Guard. They can write letters and comment and hold a meeting. Then they can do it all over again.

So in my book, it’s not a victory. It’s another loss, that can be placed right there beside the loss of 50 missiles and the refueling mission at Malmstrom.