MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Marine units aboard MCB Hawaii will soon be able to go more places, do more training, and do it all safer with the implementation of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement.
The trucks are arriving in a steady stream, and the Marines of Combat Service Support Group 3's motor pool are configuring the new vehicles for distribution to the motor pools aboard the base.
The MTVR, also known as the 7-ton truck, brings superior lift capabilities, an improved power plant, and a smoother ride to motor transport sections in Hawaii.
While the MTVR carries the same number of personnel as the 5-ton truck in a nearly identical bed space, the turbocharged Caterpillar C-12 engine can handle the big jobs like towing artillery pieces uphill.
"It's going to increase the combat capabilities a great deal because of the increased power and better off-road performance," said Gunnery Sgt. Doug Peercy, platoon commander, Operations Plt., Motor Transport Co., CSSG-3. "The artillery units will be able to do their mission better and faster, and everyone will be safer."
The new truck has independent suspension, push button transmission, air ride seats, and is fully designed for off road, Peercy explained. The tires can even take a .50 caliber round and stay inflated long enough for the vehicle to get to a safe zone.
Although the truck was built to manage rough terrain with ease, the cab-controlled tire inflation system adds comfort and security when the truck rolls onto the pavement for a road trip.
Maintenance Marines will appreciate the warranty on the trucks, and the support provided by the manufacturer.
"Representatives from Osh Kosh are providing on-site support for the first year, and our Marines are learning how to diagnose problems and maintain the vehicles, said Peercy.
Benefits of the MTVR include fiberglass, aluminum and steel construction which will eliminate rust problems that plague the 5-ton, and a fording-ready configuration with intake, exhaust, and breathers already routed to 'above water.'
The truck is taller than the 5-ton, and to get under the 98-inch-high embark limit, operators must remove the top of the cab and lower the exhaust and intake.
"The MTVR can be reduced for embarkation and storage much quicker than the 5-ton could," said Maj. Ulysses Morton, Deputy Program Manager for the MTVR. "It only takes the crew a few minutes."
As with any new piece of gear, Marines will need to adjust to the differences in the Corps' newest workhorse. The bed is higher than in the old trucks, and jumping out of the back means a drop of that much more to the ground. A ladder on the tailgate alleviates the problem in most circumstances but in an ambush, the ladder will most likely be worthless.
Drivers are arriving from motor transport school with certification to drive the trucks, and CSSG-3 has three instructors, including Peercy, who can license drivers on the new vehicle. Once units commanders feel their drivers and maintainers are adequately trained, the trucks will hit the streets.
Once the fleet hits the road, units aboard MCB Hawaii will have a better combat support tool which will take Marines and their gear to more places quicker, and allow them to do their job without worrying about transportation limitations.