US Army Military Vehicles: A Look Through the Years

Over its nearly 250-year history, the US Army has utilized a wide range of military vehicles for travel, transport, and combat. They began by using simple, horse-drawn wagons before moving on to more advanced and specialized vehicles. Let’s take a look at some of the notable military vehicles the US Army has used throughout the years.

Horse-Drawn Wagons

In the early days, when the US Army was still establishing itself as a fighting force, horse-drawn wagons were the primary mode of transportation for supplies and personnel. The army used these wagons during the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and other conflicts before the invention of motorized vehicles.

Motorized Vehicles

With the advancement of technology in the late 19th century, the US Army began experimenting with motorized vehicles. The first motorized vehicle used by the army was a steam-powered tractor in 1899. This quickly evolved into using gasoline engines for trucks and automobiles.

During World War I, medical teams used ambulances for support on the front lines, and messengers rode motorcycles to deliver communications. The US Army also began using armored vehicles for combat during World War I.

Armored Vehicles

The Willys MB (also known as the “Willys Jeep”) was a small, four-wheel drive vehicle that the US Army used during World War II. It became an iconic symbol of the military, which used it for tasks like reconnaissance, transport, and even light artillery support.

In the 1950s, after World War II had ended, the Humvee (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) replaced the Willys Jeep in military service. The Humvee was a larger, more versatile vehicle able to handle a wider range of purposes, including troop transport and combat support. The US Army still uses it today.

Modern Military Vehicles

In addition to the Humvee, other vehicles currently in use by the US Army include the M1 Abrams tank, Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). These vehicles are constantly being updated and improved upon to meet the ever-changing needs of the military.

The US Army has come a long way over the past two and a half centuries. What was once a ragtag group of soldiers and their horses has evolved into a highly advanced and technologically equipped fighting force—in large part due to auto industry advancements that allowed it to create these powerful, durable military vehicles the US Army has used throughout the years.