In part one of “Ready to Fight?” I wrote about the waste of money and the politics involved with the announcement that the Montana Air National Guard’s F-15s would be going to California. You can read Part One HERE. This editorial from the Great Falls Tribune was the basis for my column.

I’ve picked five things that the local community can improve upon or do to actually be “Ready to Fight.” Putting all five ideas in one column makes it a long read, so today I will talk about what the State of Montana can do and what the local military committees (the Chamber) can do.

On Thursday, I’ll talk about the local Economic Development Authority, the Congressional delegation and last, but not least, the local media. I’ll also have closing comments.

Sadly, it does not seem the community is ready for this fight. It may be too late. There’s just too much of “marking your territory” from some in the community, but that’s not to say the community does not support the military personnel in and around Great Falls. They do.

If the State of Montana and the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce really wants to put up a “helluva fight” (as the Great Falls Tribune calls it) for long-term military presence in Montana, here are some things they can do. Continue reading →