What is M151?
The M151 MUTT is the U.S. military’s compact, four‑wheel‑drive ¼‑ton utility vehicle, designed as a lightweight successor to the WWII Jeep and widely used from the 1960s through the end of the Cold War. It remained in service with several allies into the 1990s before being replaced by modern light vehicles such as the Humvee.
Origins and design goals
During the Cold War, the U.S. Army sought a smaller, simpler platform that could move troops and equipment quickly on rough terrain without the complexity of larger trucks. The M151 family was developed to be more compact, easier to repair in the field, and adaptable to a variety of roles—from transport to reconnaissance.
Design philosophy and features
The M151 prioritized practicality: a lightweight, rugged chassis, straightforward maintenance, and reliable off‑road performance. It was built to be economical to manufacture and easy to support in forward areas, with a focus on versatility rather than luxury.
Key characteristics of the M151 family include:
- Classification as a ¼‑ton (approximately 250 kg payload) 4x4 light utility vehicle
- Compact, durable design optimized for off‑road mobility
- Used by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and numerous allied nations
- Multiple iterative variants to address reliability and operational feedback
In summary, the M151 was conceived to provide reliable, simple mobility for small units in a wide range of environments.
Variants and service history
Over its production life, the M151 evolved through several designations to improve reliability, protection, and usability. The core family includes the original M151 and subsequent upgraded versions.
- M151 — the initial production variant fielded in the 1960s
- M151A1 — early upgrade introducing refinements for weather sealing and maintained field compatibility
- M151A2 — later variant with additional reliability and safety improvements
These variants were deployed extensively during the Vietnam era and across various theaters. The U.S. military began phasing out the M151 in favor of newer light‑duty platforms and, later, the Humvee, with formal retirements occurring from the late 1980s into the 1990s. Nevertheless, the M151 remained in limited use with some allies and continued to serve in secondary roles for years beyond.
Operational use and legacy
The M151 served as a fast, agile platform for light transport, reconnaissance, liaison duties, and cargo movement in difficult terrain. Its rugged simplicity made it a familiar workhorse for infantry units and support teams, particularly in Vietnam’s varied environments and in desert and forest theaters abroad.
Its legacy extends beyond its active service life. The M151 influenced the design philosophy of later light utility vehicles, and today it appears in museum collections, private restorations, and military surplus markets around the world. Enthusiasts and collectors frequently preserve M151s as iconic symbols of a transformative era in battlefield mobility.
Current status and preservation
Today, most M151s are retired from frontline service. Surplus units remain in private hands or in the care of museums and historical organizations. In many countries, these vehicles are maintained as restorations or operated at military vehicle shows and commemorative events. Their enduring appeal lies in their historical significance and rugged, uncomplicated engineering.
Summary
The M151 MUTT represents a pivotal step in military light mobility: a compact, capable, and approachable 4x4 designed to move people and light cargo quickly across difficult terrain. While it has largely given way to more modern platforms, its influence endures in the ongoing fascination with Cold War and Vietnam‑era military vehicles, and in the enduring lessons of practical, field‑ready design.
What is a M151?
The M151 series was the longest-running and last of Army jeep series. It was first put into service during the Vietnam War. Starting in the 1980s, it was phased out in favor of the Humvee, but some units were still in use throughout the 1990s.
What is the pill M151 used for?
The pill with imprint M151 M151 (White, Capsule/Oblong, 19mm) has been identified as Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release 40 mg and is used for GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, Erosive Esophagitis, Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis, and Gastric Ulcer Prophylaxis.
How many M151 jeeps were made?
The M151A2 would start to be replaced by the HMMWV in 1985. In testament to the MUTT, even after the U.S. military began fielding the HMMWV, it would take 15 years for all M151 variants to be retired. In excess of 100,000 M151s were produced and used by every branch of the U.S. military and numerous allied countries.
What engine is in a M151 MUTT?
inline 4-cyl.
