How it works
How scheduling works
Defense contractors and other non-military users follow the same safety and scheduling standards as military units. We run every request through eight steps, from intake to close-out, and coordinate with the Montana National Guard (MTNG) and other partners along the way.
Plan ahead
30 days minimum 60–90 days recommended
Thirty days is common, but requests made 60–90 days out are recommended to ensure availability.
The process
Eight steps, request to close-out
We plan backward from your event using the Army's 8-step training model and the T-week (training week) model. It is the same approach units use, and it helps make sure every requirement is met before you arrive.
Step 1: Request intake
Tell us who you are, what you need to accomplish, and when.
- Requests from industry, academia, MTNG, the Department of War (DoW), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Mission objective and desired outcomes
- Date and time window, plus required capabilities
Step 2: Feasibility review
We check that the request can be done safely, where and when you need it.
- Validate requirements
- Site fit and safety feasibility
- Resource needs and timeline realism
Step 3: Vetting & risk screening
We vet the participants and the activity before anything is scheduled.
- Participant and activity vetting
- Access control needs
- Risk assessment and constraints
- Compliance review
Step 4: Statewide coordination
We find the best location in Montana and deconflict it with defense partners.
- Deconfliction across Montana defense partners
- Alignment with the MTNG training calendar
- Best-fit location statewide, not only the Guard training area
Step 5: Approvals & scheduling lock
We secure approvals and lock the schedule.
- Final schedule and approvals secured
- MTNG participation approval
- FAA, special use airspace (SUA), and certificate of authorization (COA) coordination
- Range time booked in RFMSS through our scheduler once range command approves
- Staffing and facility allocation
Step 6: Contracting & insurance
We put the agreement and coverage in place.
- Industry use agreement executed
- Scope of use and rules of engagement defined
- Proof of insurance confirmed
Step 7: Event execution & oversight
Your event runs under the approved plan, with designated safety leads.
- Designated officer in charge (OIC) and range safety officer (RSO) on site
- OIC/RSO coordinates with us and MTNG
- Approved activity plan and safety protocols followed
- Operations conducted under Army and Guard regulations and the Montana Army National Guard (MT ARNG) range standard operating procedure (SOP)
Step 8: Close-out & reporting
We close out the event and report back.
- Close-out and reporting
- Cleanup and restoration verified
- Monthly reporting to MTNG
Before you arrive
What we'll need from you
- Vetting
- All contractors are vetted through Montana Innovation Campus.
- Formal request
- Contractors submit a formal request through us to the garrison's Range Operations or Range Control office.
- Activity plan
- A detailed plan of the activities you intend to conduct.
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of insurance is part of the activity plan.
- Safety protocols
- Documented safety protocols for the activity, included with the plan.
- Designated OIC/RSO
- A designated officer in charge (OIC) and range safety officer (RSO) who coordinates with us and MTNG.
- RFMSS scheduling
- Like Army National Guard units, approved contractors schedule through the installation's RFMSS, using our scheduler, once range command approves.
- Military training has priority
- Military training comes first. Approved testing is accommodated through the scheduling office on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Risk review
- A risk review is conducted for all test and demonstration procedures.
Standards
Same rules as military units
Operations follow Army and National Guard range regulations and the Montana Army National Guard range SOP.
- NGR 385-63
- DA PAM 385-63
- AR 95-1
- NGR 95-1
- Montana Army National Guard (MT ARNG) Range SOP
- RFMSS
- Range Facility Management Support System, used for range, facility, and training area requests.
- GISMO
- Map-based planning tool used to plan operations on the range.
Start with step one
Send your mission objective, preferred dates, and required capabilities. The earlier you reach out, the more options we can offer.