While Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced plans to direct money into combat systems that troops use in war, soldiers at Fort Stewart were ceremonially receiving newly-designed tactical vehicles, used to carry fuel and supplies during combat.
“Today is a ceremony with the Oshkosh Corporation to signify the 3rd Brigade Support Battalion and 1st Brigade to be the first unit to field the LHS A4 HEMETT model,” said Lt. Col. Johnney Matthews, commander of the 3rd BSB.
“We’re the first unit in the entire U.S. Army to receive these vehicles,” he said Tuesday.
The unit received 39 Heavy Expandable Mobility Tactical Trucks built by Oshkosh, a Wisconsin-based government vehicle manufacturing corporation.
The trucks replaced the older version of the model, the HEMTT M1120 A2.
The estimated $225,000 vehicles feature a roomy, air conditioned cab; an air suspended and armored undercarriage, a 500 horse-powered engine and a spare tire with a hydraulic release system.
All are qualities that Matthews said are important for the welfare and safety of the soldiers in theater.
“When these soldiers ride in an air suspension versus spring suspension [vehicle], over long periods of time, they know they are not going to be as tired,” he said. “They are going to be more refreshed and they are going to be able to do the things they need to do.”
Cpt. Jeffrey Halladay, company commander of Alpha Co, 3rd BSB, 1st HBCT, agreed.
His soldiers got to test the vehicles’ features during a recent exercise in Camp Blanding, Fla.
“They are great pieces of equipment and they bring more capability to the fight,” Halladay said.
At the end of the day, Lt. Col. Stan Fugate, deputy commander of the 1st HBCT, said giving the soldiers what they need to be “mission successful” is all that matters.
“Everyone always looks at the combat vehicles, the Bradleys and the tanks, but without these guys we wouldn’t be able to get what we need,” he said. “These vehicles are the meat and potatoes of the force.”
“Today is a ceremony with the Oshkosh Corporation to signify the 3rd Brigade Support Battalion and 1st Brigade to be the first unit to field the LHS A4 HEMETT model,” said Lt. Col. Johnney Matthews, commander of the 3rd BSB.
“We’re the first unit in the entire U.S. Army to receive these vehicles,” he said Tuesday.
The unit received 39 Heavy Expandable Mobility Tactical Trucks built by Oshkosh, a Wisconsin-based government vehicle manufacturing corporation.
The trucks replaced the older version of the model, the HEMTT M1120 A2.
The estimated $225,000 vehicles feature a roomy, air conditioned cab; an air suspended and armored undercarriage, a 500 horse-powered engine and a spare tire with a hydraulic release system.
All are qualities that Matthews said are important for the welfare and safety of the soldiers in theater.
“When these soldiers ride in an air suspension versus spring suspension [vehicle], over long periods of time, they know they are not going to be as tired,” he said. “They are going to be more refreshed and they are going to be able to do the things they need to do.”
Cpt. Jeffrey Halladay, company commander of Alpha Co, 3rd BSB, 1st HBCT, agreed.
His soldiers got to test the vehicles’ features during a recent exercise in Camp Blanding, Fla.
“They are great pieces of equipment and they bring more capability to the fight,” Halladay said.
At the end of the day, Lt. Col. Stan Fugate, deputy commander of the 1st HBCT, said giving the soldiers what they need to be “mission successful” is all that matters.
“Everyone always looks at the combat vehicles, the Bradleys and the tanks, but without these guys we wouldn’t be able to get what we need,” he said. “These vehicles are the meat and potatoes of the force.”