The Montana National Guard Commendation Medal honors Montana National Guard members who carry out meritorious service of a degree greater than that required for the Montana National Guard Achievement Medal but of a lesser degree than would warrant the Montana National Guard Distinguished Service Medal.
The Montana National Guard is composed of the Montana Army National Guard and the Montana Air National Guard. The Army component is based in Helena and traces back to 1867; it features facilities in 28 communities across the state. The Air Component formed in 1947 and makes its headquarters in Great Falls. Its major unit is the 120th Airlift Wing.
The ribbon is brown with thin white vertical stripes toward the exterior.