Sentinel

Welcome to the Air Force’s Sentinel Deployment and Minuteman III Decommissioning and Disposal Project Environmental Permitting and Compliance information website. The Sentinel weapon system addressed in this website was formerly known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). This website hosts all public facing information related to the project and is intended as a resource for sharing the most up to date information on the Sentinel Deployment for outside agencies, landowners affected by the project, and the general public. As the Sentinel project moves forward, this website will be updated with additional information and can be accessed anytime throughout the duration of the project.

The project includes replacing all land based MMIII ICBMs deployed in the continental United States with Sentinel ICBMs. All components of the MMIII missile would be replaced, including the three motors, two interstages, propulsion system rocket engine, and missile guidance set. The number, size, configuration, and design of the nuclear warheads provided by the Department of Energy would remain unchanged.

Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand various aspects of the Sentinel program.

I. REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION
II. FARMING & USE
III. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IV. CONSTRUCTION
V. COMMUNITY IMPACT
VI. NEWSROOM

Q1: Why does the Air Force want to access my property?

The transition from Minuteman III to the Sentinel ICBM requires new silos, launch silos and support facilities. The Air Force needs access to local property for environmental analysis, land surveys, appraisals, and to assess construction locations to support construction and system deployment needs.

Q2: What will my property be used for?

Your property has the potential to either be used for new silos, launch centers, fiber optic communication lines, temporary support sites adjacent to existing sites or as a location for a Sentinel communications tower. In most cases, (fiber optic line installation or construction laydown yards), property usage will be temporary, but in some cases the Air Force will require new permanent easements for new fiber optic lines, or for new silos or other infrastructure.

Q3: What will happen if the Air Force determines it wants to use my property?

The Air Force is utilizing the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as its purchasing agent. A USACE Realty Specialist will reach out to you in advance and provide detailed information regarding the desired amount and location of land to be used for the Sentinel program. After conducting an appraisal to determine the fair market value, the basis for just compensation, USACE will offer to purchase the necessary interest in your land to support Sentinel deployment.

Q4: How do you determine fair market value?

Just compensation is generally construed to be the fair market value of the property. An approved appraisal is generally determined by an independent professional real estate appraiser in accordance with appropriate state and federal regulations. The Air Force, or its authorized representative, will use this real estate appraisal as a basis for establishing the value of any real estate interest.

Q5: Why my property? Why not go around?

The Air Force is trying to avoid using more private land than is necessary for the completion of the Sentinel program, but it is very likely that the use of some additional private property is necessary for Sentinel. The Air Force will use existing easements to the maximum extent possible. However, there may be circumstances that require the Air Force to re-route fiber optic communication lines if required by the final design.

Q6. If I sell my land, will I be able to lease it back?

Fiber optic communication easements will allow the landowner to use their land or lease the property to additional parties, so long as the Government’s right to maintain and operate a fiber optic communication easement on that property is not impacted.

Q1: Can I continue to use the land?

Access would be limited for a short time during construction for land used for fiber optics installation, but landowners could continue to use the land before and after installation activities are completed. Some restrictions pertaining to installing permanent structures may also apply. The Air Force would work with landowners regarding the timing for construction to minimize the impact on the owner’s use of the property.

Q2: Will farmers be able to farm their land after they allow access to their land?

Yes, related to the land used for fiber optics installation. However, access will be limited during construction, but landowners can continue to use the land after installation activities are completed. For a short time during the construction and installation process, property owners will not have access to designated portion(s) of the acreage. Some restrictions pertaining to installing permanent structures may also apply. The Air Force will work with landowners regarding the timing for construction to minimize the impact on the owner’s use of the property. The Air Force will restore land to a pre-existing state to the extent possible.

Q3: I currently use my property for agriculture in the area the Air Force is looking to purchase. Would advance communication allow me to harvest crops, cut grass, or move cattle from the area before work begins?

The Air Force will give advanced notice of its construction activities on the property so that landowners can plan accordingly.

Q4: What restrictions will there be on the use of my land after installation of a fiber optic communication line?

Landowners will not be able to install or construct permanent structures over the easement, as easy access to the fiber optic communication lines is required for future operational reasons, such as cable maintenance. However, it is important to note that the buried fiber optic cable should not impact ranch and farming operations.

Q5: After the project is done, what other access will I have to give the government?

It depends upon which portion of the project will be conducted on the property. For fiber optic communication lines, once the project is complete, the easement allows the Air Force the right of ingress and egress to patrol, maintain, repair, and replace the cables. However, the landowner will be notified by a government representative that they will be on their property on a particular date and will try to de-conflict schedules as much as possible. For tower sites, the Government will own the right to ingress and egress the tower sites with no notice to the landowner. If gates are installed to limit access to the road for whatever reason, the Government will also need to access the gate. All of this will be explained in detail to the landowners when the decision regarding the use of private property is made.

Q6: Would the Air Force use existing communication easements and/or construct new ones?

The Air Force is proposing to re-use existing easements to lay fiber optic communication lines to the maximum extent but may establish new easements to meet Sentinel operational requirements.

Q7: If the Air Force is not proposing to use the existing communication easements, what would become of the buried cables?

For Sentinel, the Air Force plans on re-using existing easements to the maximum extent possible. In cases where re-use is not possible, the buried cable will continue to be used for Minuteman III until the system is decommissioned at which point the buried cables will remain in the ground, unused.

Q8: I was asked to provide access for an easement that has crops on the other side. Will I be able to access these fields after the easements are dug? I don’t want to lose the crop.

The Air Force will ensure a reasonable means of access to, from, and across the temporary easement for use during construction to the maximum extent. After the installation/construction of the utility corridor is accomplished, the property owner may continue uninterrupted farming operations.

Q9: Where would the antennas be located and how much land is needed for each location? Would we have to provide access to those easements through our land? Are farmers restricted from building on their land until the project is determined?

The Air Force has assessed the Sentinel system requirements and has identified proposed locations of antennas and tower sites that can meet the system’s operational needs. Exact siting of roads and dimensions of pads have not been finalized and are still being planned and designed. Initial plans for tower sites would require five-acre parcels and an access road. The location of the site and access road is flexible as a final location is negotiated with landowners. Landowners are not restricted from developing their property in any way until an actual easement or purchase is completed between the landowner and government.

Q1: What is an Environmental Impact Statement or “EIS”?

The “EIS” acronym stands for “Environmental Impact Statement.” Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Air Force is required to conduct environmental analysis for any proposed major federal action to determine the environmental impact from the proposed activities, provide the public and other stakeholders with an opportunity to comment on the action and associated analyses, and to consider all reasonable alternatives, prior to making a final determination to proceed with the action. The Sentinel proposal constitutes a major federal action with potentially significant environmental impacts and thus an EIS has been developed. The Final EIS was completed and released March 31, 2023, and can be viewed at https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel/Environmental-Impact-Statement/. In addition, a supplemental environmental impact statement is due to be released in August 2025.

Q2: What happens if you find cultural or natural resources on my property?

If the Air Force determines the proposed action could significantly impact cultural or natural resources, it presents its findings and recommends mitigation measures to landowners and appropriate stakeholders. We recognize landowners are concerned about the potential impact such findings could have on use of land and agricultural operations, and the Air Force will work closely with landowners to ensure mitigation procedures – if needed – are coordinated appropriately.

*For more information regarding the environmental impact of this project, visit https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel/Environmental-Impact-Statement/.

Q3: Will the frequencies transmitted from the proposed towers be harmful?

The equipment installed on the new communication towers associated with the Sentinel project would be coordinated with the Federal Communications Commission using existing approval processes for use of the electromagnetic spectrum and installed in accordance with all applicable safety requirements. Please refer to the Federal Communication Commission’s radio frequency safety site for additional information: RF Safety FAQ | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov).

Q1: When is the approximate start date of the project?

The Air Force plans to start construction of fiber optic communication lines in the Spring of 2027. Construction of on-base facilities at Vandenberg SFB, CA and F.E. Warren AFB, WY, Malmstrom AFB, MT, and preparation for Minot AFB, ND has already started.

Q2: How long is the project going to take approximately?

Construction activities at each missile wing will be spread over the duration of 10 years.

The installation of the fiber optic communication lines would take place at an approximate rate of one mile per day. The construction activities at any launch silo or launch center would normally take approximately one year for each location.

Q3: Would there be standard hours of operation for the construction to happen? Should my family expect work to occur overnight?

All Air Force construction sites would normally have scheduled daily start and stop times, which would be shared with landowners in advance. It is possible that there would be limited 24-hour operations at some construction sites to reduce the overall time at any one site. Any landowners living in the area of construction would be given advanced notice of construction or maintenance activities.

Q4: I noticed the Air Force also needs access to an ingress/egress route to the property. Will you be utilizing pre-existing roads, driveways, and following fence lines to access the property in a non-intrusive way? Will I be informed of your ingress/egress path in advance?

The Air Force’s goal is to minimize impact to landowners and natural resources, and we will determine the least intrusive paths to enter and leave property. The Air Force will give advanced notice before the start of any construction or establishing an entrance/exit route.

Q5: Would there be any project related road/highway closures?

None are planned at this time, as most road crossings of the fiber optic communication lines would be done by horizontal directional drilling. It is still too early in the process to know if soil conditions would allow for drilling, or if road cuts would be needed. If road cuts are used, the need for temporary lane closures may exist during fiber optic communication line installations both on- and off-base.

Q6: When construction is happening, will farmers still have priority on farm to market roads?

Construction requires Government officials to coordinate frequently and regularly with local officials to ensure farmers are kept abreast of construction impacts on roadways.

Q1: Who is the lead contractor awarded the bid?

The Department of the Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor for the Sentinel Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract in September 2020. Northrop Grumman has partnered with Bechtel for portions of the Sentinel infrastructure design and construction. During the ongoing program restructure, the Air Force is evaluating using alternate contractors to design or construct portions of the infrastructure program.

Q2: How many contractors are going to be on this project?

The Air Force estimates the project will employ between 2,000 to 3,000 contractors during the construction phase. Overall, the Sentinel program will involve nearly 10,000 people across the U.S. working directly in support of the program.

Q3: How can local businesses become partners on the project?

Small businesses interested in doing business with Northrop Grumman should visit Doing Business with Northrop Grumman. Completing this form will start the process and ensure Northrop Grumman and its subcontractors have good contact information for the small business and an understanding of their capabilities. Additionally, for small businesses or vendors interested in bidding for Government contracts, check the https://sam.gov website for active solicitations.

Q4: Will the project partner with the school district and local colleges for training?

Workforce development in the region is key to successfully fielding Sentinel, and the project will seek opportunities to partner with career and technical education programs at high schools and community colleges in the area.

Q5: Where will employees or workers come from? Will there be local recruitment of employees?

The project is committed to hiring qualified local employees. However, if there is a shortage of skilled trades in the region, employees will come in from other areas of the country to support the project.

Q6: How many people will be coming and where will they be housed?

The number of contract employees working on the project is not expected to exceed 3,000 people. Notionally, most employees hired for construction would be housed at a workforce hub.

Q7: Where will the people be housed for the duration of the project?

Most employees (up to 3,000) will be housed in workforce hub locations established in the vicinity of construction activity. Those locations have not been fully developed; however, the contractor and the program office will stay engaged with the community as that information becomes clearer. Some employees will be hired from local communities, and it is assumed they already have housing.

Q8: At what tempo/timeframe should the selected community for the workforce hub plan for a permanent presence versus fluid use of the area?

At this time, a decision has not been made on temporary or permanent housing locations. Based on current projections, work that will require an increase in workforce in the F.E. Warren region will begin in 2027 and be completed in the mid-2030s timeframe with work in Montana and North Dakota starting after the 2027 timeframe.

Q9: Has there been a final location determination on the proposed workforce hub?

A final determination has not been made regarding the location of the proposed workforce hubs. As we get closer to the determination of the locations, we will work with Northrop Grumman to actively engage with those impacted communities.

Q10: How does the Air Force plan to provide water/wastewater utilization and demands, along with increased demand on public power/electricity/natural resources, and ensure these local systems are able to support the needs of the contractor workforce?

The Sentinel contractor has the capability to build a workforce hub that is entirely self-sufficient, to include the use of ground water wells and generated power, if necessary. The Sentinel contractor may choose to use local utilities where adequate capacity and infrastructure to support the hub exists. The best approach to wastewater treatment at the hub is still being evaluated by the Sentinel deployment planning team.

Q11: Is it realistic to think that much of the footprint will remain as permanent fixtures upon the completion of the Sentinel buildup? Are there any discussions on what this phase could look like (i.e., responsibility for ownership or assumption/removal of temporary facilities, substances, material, etc.)?

While the contractor has the capability to completely restore the workforce hub site to its previous configuration, the Air Force and the Sentinel contractor are committed to working to find potential alternatives that best meet the needs of the local community.

Q12: Coupled with such significant population increase, does the Air Force plan on engaging the community on increased demand for public safety and emergency services?

Over the last two years, the Air Force, with support from its industry partners, has been executing an ongoing, comprehensive engagement plan to keep local communities informed of the projected impacts of the Sentinel project. The Sentinel project has been working closely with local elected officials, landowners, chambers of commerce, and interested members of the public in both virtual and face-to-face meetings (to include several public hearings and town halls) to address concerns, answer questions and explain projected impacts to local communities. The Air Force understands that communities across the region are concerned about the burden the project may place on local first responders and is working with the contractor to minimize the impacts as much as possible. Additionally, Sentinel anticipates developing a community relations panel to work more closely with local officials to address these types of concerns.

Q13: How does the Air Force plan to provide support for childcare, school/faculty demands, recreation, and regional public transportation systems that may be strained by the contractor workforce?

Most employees directly associated with the Sentinel project will not bring families with them to the area and will have little impact on local schools. Some of the employees working directly on the project will be hired from the local area and therefore will not add any additional students to the schools.

The Sentinel project plans to provide its own transportation when moving employees to and from work locations across the missile fields, and this same transportation will be used to move employees to authorized locations throughout the region.

The Air Force anticipates there will be an option for managed transportation to allow the workforce into various towns in the region to shop, see a movie, grab a bite to eat, attend places of worship, etc.

Q14: Is the Air Force planning to help communities pay for the upgrades necessary to support this project?

The Air Force is in the process of exploring a range of potential options to help communities deal with some of the impacts associated with the fielding of Sentinel. The projected economic impacts on the region are captured in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (see Table 3.11.13 Proposed Action IMPLAN Model Output for F.E. Warren AFB Off-Base Construction, page 3-507) for the project, which was completed and released March 31, 2023, and can be viewed at https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel/Environmental-Impact-Statement/. The Environmental Impact Statement process projects the following economic impacts to the region for the off-base construction: an additional 6,202 direct and indirect jobs, a total of $588,369,466 in total labor income added to the region, and a total of $1,168,778,536 in total output from the project. For supporting analysis and more specific details about the impacts, a comprehensive review of the applicable portions of the Final Environmental Impact Statement is recommended. In addition, a supplemental environmental impact statement is due to be released in August 2025.

Q15: Will workers in the field installing Sentinel be restricted to their work site due to security? Will there be much, if any, interaction between the laborers temporarily located in the area and local businesses?

The workers in the field installing Sentinel systems will indeed be subject to certain security restrictions due to the sensitive nature of the work. These restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety and security of both the personnel and the equipment involved in the installation process. While the primary focus will be on the work site, there will be interaction between the laborers and local businesses. This interaction will likely be in the form of obtaining essential needs such as food, and other basic services and entertainment.

Q16: If not, do we have any details into length of stay or positive economic impact on each area?

Current plans call for portions of the workforce to begin work in the Wyoming/Nebraska/Colorado region as early as 2027 until the mid-2030 timeframe with follow-on work for all the impacted locations throughout Montana and North Dakota to occur in subsequent years. The projected economic impacts are captured in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the project, which was completed and released March 31, 2023, and can be viewed at https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel/Environmental-Impact-Statement/. The Environmental Impact Statement process projects the following economic impacts to the region for the off-base construction: an additional 6,202 direct and indirect jobs, a total of $588,369,466 in total labor income added to the region, and a total of $1,168,778,536 in total output from the project. For supporting analysis and more specific details about the impacts, a comprehensive review of the applicable portions of the Final Environmental Impact Statement is recommended. In addition, a supplemental environmental impact statement is due to be released in August 2025.

Q17: Does the Air Force have a plan or timetable for communicating the extent to which the upcoming project will interact with, boost, or otherwise disrupt the current status quo in impacted areas?

The Air Force, with support from its industry partners, has been executing an ongoing, comprehensive engagement plan to keep local communities informed of the projected impact of the Sentinel project over the last two years. The Sentinel project has been working closely with local elected officials, landowners, chambers of commerce and interested members of the public in both virtual and face-to-face meetings (to include several public hearings and town halls) to address concerns, answer questions and explain projected impacts to local communities. Much of the information on community impacts is provided in detail in the publicly available Final Environmental Impact Statement, which was completed and released March 31, 2023, and can be viewed at https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel/Environmental-Impact-Statement/. A supplemental environmental impact statement is due to be released in August 2025. Additionally, Air Force Global Strike Command has established this publicly available website with answers to many of the questions local communities have been asking.

Q18: Is there a full timeline for the Sentinel emplacement?

The Department of Defense reviewed the Sentinel program following a critical breach of the Nunn-McCurdy statute. The Department has certified the Sentinel program as essential to U.S. national security and directed the Air Force to restructure the program to address the root causes of the breach and establish an appropriate management structure to control costs. Further details of the restructure plan will be available after an updated acquisition strategy is approved by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

While construction of some facilities is underway, the Air Force is working to restructure the Sentinel program. Once restructure is complete, the finalized baseline schedule for transition, including construction and deployment activities, will be established.

Q19: How will the Air Force keep my cattle and family safe when construction to install the cables begins? Will fencing or other safety measures be installed?

Safety of the workforce and the public is of paramount importance to the Air Force and its industry partners. Each Air Force construction site will have a documented safety plan to protect workers and provide necessary safeguards for the surrounding environment. The Air Force will ensure landowners have the details of the plans when they are developed.