Article

In 2023, the U.S. Army awarded AM General a $230.8 million contract to produce the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), aimed at replacing the Humvee. Each JLTV is priced between $300,000 and $400,000, with total replacement costs expected to reach billions over the next decade.

The Army seeks to reinstate the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV) and Light Service Support Vehicle (LSSV) programs to provide cost-effective, reliable vehicles for non-combat roles, allowing JLTVs to be reserved for higher-risk missions. The CUCV, which served from the 1980s into the early 2000s, and the LSSV, have historically supported logistical and administrative functions.

Implementing a modern CUCV/LSSV could save the Army significant procurement and maintenance costs, while enhancing the overall fleet's readiness. A pilot program is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of these vehicles in current operations.