One of the five most important pieces of equipment of WWII for the Allies was the Jeep. This vehicle was upgraded several times until the early 1960s when it was decided that a replacement was needed. That replacement was the Mutt, but it was not a very successful and so the search was on for an even more capable vehicle. Tenders were sought and what was eventually accepted was AM (American Motors) General's design.  AM General was soon bought by LTV and they are the ones currently producing the vehicle.

Production began in 1984 with the first vehicles delivered in 1985. Since then the Hummer has been issued to every unit that needs this vehicle with a goodly number also being used by the US Marines and the Air Force. It has grown from just a simple utility vehicle to one that carries a wide array of weaponry and has been developed into a multiplicity of special use vehicles from radio cars to ambulances. Now in its third generation, these vehicles have been heavily armored for use in the more dangerous parts of the world, and while they cannot withstand heavy weapons or bombs, they can protect its occupants from most land mines and standard small arms fire. In addition to the US, these vehicles are in use with a number of other nations.

Steven J Zaloga takes us from the initial competition and design right up to its current use. This includes all of the bewildering number of variations and does so in a manner that actually makes sense. Capably illustrated by Hugh Johnson and will superb photographs, almost all of which are in color, you will get a renewed appreciation of what has to be the most ubiquitous vehicle of its type in the world today.

I found this volume to be of immense interest and I know you will as well. It is one that I can most highly recommend.

April 2006

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