What changes if US World War II Jeeps, GMC CCKWs and M2/M3 half-tracks are replaced one for one by Humvees, Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles trucks and M113s?
Short answerMobility improves, but fuel consumption and shipping burdens increase. The expected change is measured in days rather than a transformed war, and the M113 remains vulnerable to World War II weapons.
NotesThe modern vehicles would improve mobility while imposing a larger fuel bill. Their greater size and weight would complicate transport, and whether Liberty-ship cranes could lift them remains uncertain. The M113 would probably make more difference than the Humvee, though its effect would still be limited. Its aluminium armour is given as 28-44 millimetres, leaving it vulnerable to World War II weapons. The overall estimate is that the substitution could save days without dramatically changing the war's outcome.