Did the US military use Chevy trucks?
Historical role: the CUCV program
During the late Cold War era, the U.S. Army sought standardized light-duty vehicles that could be quickly fielded for general transport, cargo, and liaison tasks. GM supplied Chevrolet (and GMC) variants that were redesigned for military use under the CUCV umbrella. The most recognizable examples from this era are the M1008 pickup and the M1009 Blazer-based utility vehicle.
Key facts about the Chevy-based CUCV lineup:
- M1008: a 1/2-ton, four-wheel-drive pickup built on a GM light-truck platform for general utility tasks.
- M1009: a four-wheel-drive Blazer-based light utility vehicle used for personnel transport and light-duty missions.
- Powertrains and equipment varied, with options including gasoline and diesel engines, plus military electrical and communications upgrades.
- The CUCV program represented a bridge between civilian-market platforms and military needs, deployed primarily in the 1980s into the 1990s.
These vehicles were phased out of frontline service as the Army moved toward more modern fleets, but they remain a notable chapter in the use of civilian-brand trucks in defense.
Legacy and modern context
In the decades that followed, the U.S. military shifted toward purpose-built platforms (such as Humvees and later the JLTV) for frontline duties. Chevrolet-based vehicles largely disappeared from standard combat inventories, though militarized civilian models appeared in limited, specialized roles and in support capacities. Collectors and educators also reference the M1008 and M1009 as examples of how civilian trucks were repurposed for military use.
For readers seeking deeper detail, defense-architecture histories and procurement records document how the CUCV program operated, including variant specifications and the transition to newer vehicle families.
Summary
Yes—the U.S. military did use Chevy trucks, most prominently under the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle program in the 1980s and 1990s. The M1008 and M1009 exemplify how civilian Chevrolet and GMC platforms were adapted for military tasks, primarily in support roles. Today, front-line DoD fleets rely on purpose-built vehicles from other manufacturers, with Chevy-based models existing mainly in historical, commemorative, or limited-adaptation contexts.
What kind of trucks does the military use?
Military trucks are categorized by size and purpose, including light utility vehicles like the HMMWV, medium and heavy tactical trucks such as the M35 and HEMTT, and specialized vehicles like armored security vehicles, recovery vehicles, and prime movers. Key types are divided into: light duty (e.g., HMMWV, JLTV), medium and heavy tactical (e.g., FMTV, MTVR), specialized (e.g., armored, recovery, logistics), and all-terrain/amphibious.
You can watch this video to see some of the most sophisticated military vehicles in action: 58sTop FivesYouTube · Jan 1, 2024
Light duty trucks
- High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV): Also known as the Humvee, these are versatile light utility vehicles.
- Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): A newer generation of light tactical vehicle, designed as a replacement for the Humvee.
- Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV): Designed for high-speed operations and special forces.
- Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicle (LTATV): Smaller, all-terrain vehicles used for patrol and support.
Medium and heavy tactical trucks
- Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV): A family of trucks used for a wide range of logistical roles.
- Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR): A heavy-duty truck for military operations.
- Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT): A family of 8x8 vehicles used for heavy cargo transport.
- M35 series trucks: A historical 2.5-ton cargo truck that was a staple for many decades.
This video shows the Oshkosh M1070, a powerful truck designed to transport tanks: 1mBig Truck TimeYouTube · Jul 7, 2025
Specialized trucks
- Armored Security Vehicle (ASV): Provides armored protection for personnel and equipment.
- Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles: Designed to protect occupants from mines and ambushes.
- Recovery vehicles: Equipped with cranes and other equipment to recover damaged or disabled vehicles.
- Prime movers: Heavy-duty trucks used to tow large trailers, artillery, and other heavy equipment.
- Self-propelled artillery: Vehicles that combine a truck or tracked chassis with a large-caliber gun.
All-terrain and amphibious trucks
- Amphibious vehicles: Capable of traveling on both land and water, such as the LARC-V.
- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV): Vehicles designed for off-road use in various environments.
What truck did the US Army use in WWII?
GMC CCKW
During World War II the most important model for the U.S. Army was the GMC CCKW or "Jimmy", with over 560,000 units built. Another 200,000+ deuces were Studebaker and REO US6, built primarily for Lend-Lease export, mostly to the Soviet Union, and many others have been exported to smaller militaries.
What did Chevy do during WWII?
Chevrolet plants produced shells, gun parts and aircraft engines. The division made around 3,000 armored cars and built a light-armor half-track that saw action in Gen. George Patton's North African campaign.
What military vehicles has GM made?
Current projects
| Model | Type |
|---|---|
| SURUS - Silent Utility Rover Universal Super Structure | Modular military platform |
| Chevrolet Silverado ZH2 | Military truck |
| UUV | Unmanned Underwater Vehicle |
| HD SUV | Light utility vehicle |
