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Anyone in Special Operations Forces (SOF) knows that humans are more important than hardware – it’s one of the SOF Truths – but that doesn’t mean hardware doesn’t also play a pivotal role on the battlefield. Technology advances, the demands of modern warfare change, and so too must the hardware that military personnel rely upon.
Since being introduced to the Army in 1983, one of the most common vehicles found in the inventory of 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) has been the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), or “Humvee.” However, after decades of faithful service, that has changed. The Humvees that once filled the motor pools around the Aaron R. Butler Readiness Center have been replaced by a newer, more advanced vehicle – the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) or “Joltvee.”
"The introduction of the JLTV to the 19th represents a significant advancement in our military's tactical vehicle fleet and will provide our paratroopers and Green Berets with a powerful tool for conducting a variety of missions,” said Col. Brian Pazzaglia, commander of the 19th SFG (A).
"This is a positive step forward for the Utah National Guard and represents the Army’s ongoing commitment to providing our troops with the most advanced and capable equipment possible.”
According to the National Guard Association of the United States, in fiscal year 2021, the Department of Defense appropriations legislation provided $884.4 million for Joltvees which included 512 across the entire Army National Guard, and approximately 60 for the Utah Army National Guard. The Joltvee is a highly advanced and capable vehicle designed to provide greater mobility, survivability, and lethality on the battlefield. It was developed through a Joint program between the US Army, Marine Corps, and Oshkosh Defense, with the goal of creating a vehicle that could replace both the Humvee and the numerous variants of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
One of the most significant advantages of the Joltvee is its improved protection. The Joltvee is designed to provide better survivability for the crew in a variety of scenarios, featuring advanced armor, blast-resistant materials, blast-protected seats, an automatic internal fire protection system, and a scalable armor system. Additionally, the Joltvee’s hull design is specifically engineered to deflect explosive blasts away from the vehicle, further reducing the risk of injury or death.
The Joltvee is also highly mobile, with a more powerful engine similar to the GM Duramax, an intelligent suspension system, and more than 20-inch ground clearance to enable it to navigate rough terrain with ease. According to Oshkosh, the Joltvee is about 70 percent faster than its predecessor in off-road performance. The Joltvee’s superior speed and agility make it better suited for a variety of mission types, including reconnaissance, security, and convoy operations. The adaptable suspension also allows the vehicle to be easily transported by air, land, or sea.
“As with any modern vehicle, the JLTV comes with technology and systems in place that are designed to not only ensure the longevity of the vehicle but also protect its occupants in an emergency,” explained Sgt. 1st Class Michael Darelli, a master driver for the 19th SFG (A). “This vehicle can run until the wheels fall off, essentially.”
There are several variants of the Joltvee, each designed for specific mission requirements. The General Purpose variant is designed for general use, while the Utility variant is optimized for logistics and support missions. The Close Combat Weapons Carrier variant is designed to carry heavy weapons and provide support to infantry units. The Heavy Guns Carrier variant is designed to carry heavier weapons such as mortars, miniguns, and anti-tank missiles.
Despite the many advantages of the Joltvee, there are also some challenges associated with its introduction. Perhaps the most significant of these is the cost. The Joltvee is significantly more expensive than the Humvee, which means fewer vehicles can be purchased for the same amount of funding. Additionally, the Joltvee is larger and heavier than the Humvee, which can make it more difficult to transport in certain environments.
Another challenge is the training required to operate and maintain the Joltvee. The vehicle is highly complex, with advanced electronic systems and technology (hence the “jolt–” moniker) that require specialized training to operate and maintain. Soldiers undergo additional training so units can operate the Joltvee to its full potential.
In order to meet some of the new training requirements, the role of the master driver was updated to ensure all units have a highly trained and experienced leader responsible for overseeing the training and operations of the unit's drivers. The Master Driver Qualification Trainer Course was developed to train master drivers with the knowledge to develop and maintain a professional driver training program for their respective units. They use regulatory guidance, references, and administrative documents to efficiently train all assigned operators. A recent update to Army regulation allows all military occupations to attend the course as well. After graduation, students receive the additional skill identifier of “M9,” required to manage driver-training programs, ensuring all Army motor vehicle operators are proficient and fully qualified. This includes providing specialized training on the Joltvee’s advanced systems and technology, as well as ensuring that drivers understand the unique challenges associated with operating a larger, heavier, and more technologically advanced vehicle.
"The JLTV is a game-changer for our mission,” said Darelli. “Its advanced protection, mobility, and lethality make it an invaluable asset in training and on the battlefield. While there were certainly challenges associated with its introduction, we believe that the benefits far outweigh the costs."
The master driver manager is a critical member of the 19th SFG (A), responsible for overseeing training of new drivers. This includes conducting regular inspections to identify and address any issues with the vehicles, as well as coordinating with support personnel to ensure that necessary repairs are made in a timely and efficient manner. Their expertise and experience are invaluable with the introduction of the Joltvee. Despite these challenges, the Joltvee has been well received by members of the 19th SFG (A), and there is a plan to replace some Humvees in the coming years.
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The introduction of the Joltvee to the Utah National Guard represents a significant advancement in the Army’s tactical vehicle fleet. With its enhanced protection, mobility, and lethality, the Joltvee will provide soldiers with a powerful tool for navigating rough terrain and conducting a variety of missions. While there are certainly challenges associated with its introduction, the Army is dedicated to providing the necessary training and support to ensure that soldiers can operate and maintain the Joltvee effectively. Humans are, after all, more important than hardware.
Operators with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) train with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or “Joltvee” near Camp Williams, Utah, April 14, 2023. U.S. Army photo illustration by Sgt. Maj. Daniel Fellingham.
Operators with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) train with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or “Joltvee” near Camp Williams, Utah, April 14, 2023. U.S. Army photo illustration by Sgt. Maj. Daniel Fellingham.
A convoy of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, or “Joltvees” move en route to a training area at Capt Williams, Utah, during a Special Forces Basic Combat Course-Support on June 22, 2023.
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2023 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 449383 |
| Location: | BLUFFDALE, UTAH, US |
| Hometown: | BLUFFDALE, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The JLTV Enters the Battlefield, by SSG Nathaniel Free, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
