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Marine Corps infantry are getting 144 new lightweight supply trucks that carry up to 1,500 pounds of supplies to the field.
The trucks, known as Utility Task Vehicles, will be in the fleet by the end of February, which is six months after the initial contract award.
Marine Corps Special Operations Command previously purchased UTVs and the program executive office for land systems used the same contracting mechanism. This method allowed for quick delivery, service spokesman Manny Pacheco told Inside Defense Feb. 10.
The UTV is not replacing a piece of legacy equipment. Instead it is adding lift for the infantry battalions to carry ammunition, supplies or injured Marines.
"Measuring roughly 12 feet long, the commercially acquired diesel vehicle is modular, with back seats that convert into a small cargo bed," according to the service. "Thanks to its small size, the UTV fits inside MV-22 Ospreys and CH-53E helicopters for easy transport to remote locations and greater tactical support."
Inside the Navy reported in August that Congress approved a $9.5 million reprogramming action to buy UTVs as part of a new-start program.