Meet the 300 protecting the 300 million, the 49th Missile Defense Battalion. Stationed at Fort Greely, Alaska, the 49th stands ready to protect the skies of the United States at all times. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion (GMD) was activated on January 22, 2004 at Fort Greely. The battalion will provide operational control and security over ground-based interceptors located in Alaska to protect the nation from limited ballistic missile attacks. Alaska National Guard Soldiers will man the battalion as part of their homeland defense mission. This is the first unit of its kind.The battalion is part of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo. The battalion, which at full-authorized strength will number 110 soldiers, will provide operational control and security over ground-based interceptors located in Alaska. Alaska National Guard soldiers will man the battalion as part of the homeland defense mission.
