U.S. Soldiers provide new improvements for JLTV Joint Light Tactical Vehicle

U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (1st ABCT), 3rd Infantry Division "Raider", recently became the first U.S. Army unit equipped with the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and spent several days in late April testing and giving feedback on new features as part of the “Big 4” Soldier touchpoint event.

One of the features that is now standard on JLTVs is a 250% larger rear window. The vehicle on top has the new window and was used during testing at Fort Stewart, Ga. 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The “Big 4” refers to the new capability added to the truck with these enhancements - increased situational awareness (roughly 250% larger rear windows and the Forward Facing Camera), added muffler, troop seat kit, and the JLTV-trailer. Soldiers took part in the test as drivers, truck commanders, rear seat and troop seat passengers.

The muffler was added to reduce engine noise and make it easier for the crew to communicate, a front-facing camera helps ensure operators can better see terrain near the vehicle, especially going over embankments, and the troop seat kit and trailer add to the personnel and cargo carrying capacity and give Soldiers a trailer capable of handling the same increased speed over rough terrain as the JLTV itself.

U.S. soldiers also mentioned how the reduced engine noise from the new mufflers made it easier to communicate inside the vehicle.

The most popular feature for the drivers and truck commanders is the front-facing camera. Sgt. Daniel Kledzinski said that on the first day of the testing they took the trucks to the wash racks where they were able to drive up the ramps with better visibility to elevate the front of the vehicle and contrast what is seen through the front window and what the camera adds.

Two JLTV trailers were used during the testing and in addition to providing feedback on the towing performance, Soldiers were evaluated on how long it took to couple and uncouple the trailers.

1st ABCT soldiers have fielded a total of over 320 JLTVs since January and have already integrated them into their daily operations. The brigade is currently training up for a January 2020 decisive action rotation to the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, California.