Guard Units Test Upgraded HEMTT Trucks

The National Guard has completed its first comprehensive tactical evaluation of upgraded Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, validating improvements that promise to enhance military logistics capabilities for decades to come. The testing program demonstrated that new powertrain configurations and enhanced cargo systems meet demanding operational requirements across diverse terrain and climate conditions.

What is the HEMTT?

The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck represents the workhorse of American military logistics. Built by Oshkosh Defense in Wisconsin, the HEMTT provides the heavy-lift capability that keeps combat units supplied with fuel, ammunition, equipment, and personnel. The 8×8 all-wheel-drive configuration allows the truck to traverse terrain that would stop conventional commercial vehicles, while the 500+ horsepower engine provides the power to haul payloads exceeding 22 tons.

Since entering service in 1982, the HEMTT has proven itself in every major U.S. military operation. Desert Storm saw HEMTT fuel tankers keeping armored divisions moving during the famous “left hook” maneuver across the Saudi-Iraqi border. Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq demonstrated the platform’s durability on rough mountain roads and in extreme temperatures. The truck’s reliability under harsh conditions has earned it the respect of logisticians and combat soldiers alike.

HEMTT Variants and Capabilities

The HEMTT family includes specialized variants designed for specific logistics missions:

M977 Cargo Truck: The standard flatbed configuration carries palletized cargo, containers, and equipment. The Material Handling Crane (MHC) variant includes a built-in crane for self-loading operations, reducing dependence on external equipment.

M978 Fuel Tanker: Carrying 2,500 gallons of fuel, these tankers keep combat vehicles, aircraft, and generators operating. Forward support companies rely on M978s to establish fuel points close to front-line units.

M983 Tractor: This variant pulls heavy trailers including the M870 tank transporter, which moves M1 Abrams main battle tanks between locations without consuming track miles. The tractor also hauls Patriot missile system trailers.

M984 Wrecker: Recovery operations require heavy-lift capability, and the M984 provides exactly that. The truck can recover vehicles weighing up to 25 tons, including disabled HEMTTs themselves.

M985 Cargo with Crane: This configuration combines the cargo bed with the Material Handling Crane, allowing crews to load ammunition and supplies without external support.

What Upgrades Are Being Tested?

The upgraded HEMTT configuration undergoing National Guard evaluation incorporates several significant improvements. The new Caterpillar C15 engine delivers increased horsepower while meeting current emissions standards, a combination that enhances performance without sacrificing environmental compliance. The Allison 4500SP transmission provides smoother shifting and improved fuel efficiency across the operating envelope.

Suspension upgrades include improved shock absorbers and heavier-duty axle components, addressing durability concerns identified during operations in Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain. The upgraded suspension extends vehicle service life and reduces maintenance requirements, translating directly into cost savings and increased availability.

Cab improvements focus on crew comfort and survivability. Add-on armor packages integrate more seamlessly with the redesigned cab structure, and improved climate control systems help crews maintain effectiveness in extreme temperatures. Digital dashboard displays replace analog gauges, providing drivers with better situational awareness of vehicle status.

Why the National Guard Tests Upgraded Equipment

The National Guard plays a unique role in equipment evaluation because Guard units operate in both military and domestic emergency response scenarios. HEMTT trucks that deploy overseas must also respond to hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters at home. Guard soldiers operating the trucks bring diverse perspectives from their civilian careers in transportation, maintenance, and logistics.

Testing programs typically run 18-24 months and include operations in multiple climate zones. Guard units in Louisiana tested the trucks in hot, humid conditions, while units in Minnesota evaluated cold-weather performance. This comprehensive approach ensures the upgraded configuration meets requirements across the range of potential operating environments.

Oshkosh Defense: Building Military Trucks Since 1917

Oshkosh Defense has manufactured military trucks for over a century, beginning with the company’s first military contract during World War I. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer has built a reputation for engineering vehicles that balance capability, reliability, and maintainability. Beyond the HEMTT, Oshkosh produces the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), and specialized firefighting apparatus used on military airfields.

The Future of Military Heavy Trucks

Military logistics requirements continue evolving as the Army prepares for potential large-scale combat operations. Future HEMTT configurations may incorporate hybrid-electric powertrains, providing silent operation for tactical situations and reducing the logistics footprint associated with fuel resupply. Autonomous driving capabilities are also under development, potentially allowing convoy operations with reduced crew requirements.

The upgraded HEMTT entering National Guard service today represents an intermediate step toward these future capabilities. By validating improved powertrains and crew interfaces now, the Army establishes the foundation for more advanced systems in subsequent upgrade programs. The truck that moves ammunition to artillery batteries in 2030 will likely share its basic architecture with the vehicles completing evaluation today.

For soldiers who depend on reliable logistics to accomplish their missions, the HEMTT’s continued evolution represents a commitment to maintaining the world’s finest military supply system.