The Army and the Marine Corps appear to be at odds on what type
of truck they would like to buy to replace the ubiquitous Humvee.
The Army is seeking a “light utility” truck, while the
Marine Corps envisions a “combat tactical vehicle.”
But with Pentagon budgets becoming tighter, the services will not
be allowed to buy two different fleets of vehicles, and have been
directed to consolidate their requirements so they can acquire a
common fleet. This will be a “challenge,” says Army
Brig. Gen. John Bartley Jr., program executive officer for combat
support. “The Humvee replacement will be joint program with
the Marine Corps … but both services use the Humvee differently.”
The Marines want room for six passengers, the Army wants seating
for four. They have to achieve some sort of compromise before 2007,
when the Army expects to award procurement contracts for new trucks.
“We’ll come to closure on what the requirements are,”
Bartley says.