Heavy-Duty Trucks of the
Marine Motor Pool
When it came time to showcase the world's most extreme machines, our search concluded once we came across the United States Marine Corps' fleet of trucks and all-terrain vehicles. Besides operating extra-large and seriously heavy-duty trucks, the USMC is also home to some of the most technologically-advanced rides on the planet. Whereas the candy paint, DVD players, and chrome wheels might be missing, what they lack in appearance, they more than make up for in substance.
Operating in some of the most challenging conditions in the world, the extreme machines of the United States Marine Corps must overcome harsh terrain, high temperatures, and quite possibly the most dangerous circumstances of any vehicle. It may surprise you then to find out that there isn't a team of NASCAR mechanics on duty, but rather highly-trained young Marines at the ready to repair these extreme machines and get them back into duty with little downtime. Sure they get to blow stuff up, drive over most obstacles, and man machine guns while cruising, but we wanted to know what really made the Marine's rides extreme.
Special Thanks To:
M1A1 Abram Tank crew
Tank Commander - Sgt. Allen R. Williams
Gunner - Cpl. Allen Villaflores
Loader - Pfc. Richard D. Falconbury
Driver - Pfc. Wesley A. Sims
M88A2 Tank Retriever crew
Vehicle Commander - Sgt. Brandon L. Gray
Rigger - LanceCpl. Justin M. Theriault
Driver - LanceCpl. Aaron J. Reisenaur
Getting a hold of the USMC Public Affairs office, we asked for some insight into what the Marines drive and wrench on day and night. What we got was an all-access pass to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center located in Twentynine, Palms, California. After the initial shock of actually being allowed on base to get an inside-look at these machines, we strapped on our camera gear and started taking notes.
 This Oshkosh MK35 wrecker...  This Oshkosh MK35 wrecker can repair other heavy-duty trucks in the field thanks to its... |  ...2,500-watt AC inverter,...  ...2,500-watt AC inverter, 22,000 pound crane, and ability to tow up to 61,100 pounds on the highway. Take that all you dualie lovers. |  Think your tow rig is heavy-duty?...  Think your tow rig is heavy-duty? Take a look at this bad boy. Able to tow some 86,000 pounds, this Oshkosh M983 means business. For all you custom wheel guys, those are 20-inch wheels from the factory. |