Abstract
Colonel Darrell Duckworth recalls his 30 years of service with the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). From his first experience as a young Company Commander in 1996 to later deployments, the HMMWV proved essential in combat and training, known for its reliability and versatility. Col. Duckworth also reflects on the vehicle’s role in enhancing soldier safety.
My HUMVEE Story | by Colonel Darrell Duckworth
Having served over 30 years on active duty in the United States Army, many experiences come to mind when I think about the HMMWV. One that stands out is the first time I saw my name stenciled on the windshield of my very own HMMWV – “CPT Duckworth”. It was 1996 and I was a young Company Commander at then Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), first time in command and the HMMWV was the latest and most popular support vehicle within the Army’s fleet. I was thrilled, excited and ready to put this vehicle to the test and with the help of my soldiers we did. Regardless of the terrain, the vehicle was rugged, reliable, and versatile, and served as my command-and-control vehicle and lifeline during many deployments, field training exercises, and support missions attaining very few maintenance issues.
Later in my career I deployed several times, like many others in support of combat operations, and got to experience/observe the performance of the HMMWV in action when our Soldiers and military needed it most. Once again, the quality, ruggedness, reliability, dependability, and confidence the vehicle provided was essential to mission success. I recall Soldiers during combat operations reinforcing the HMMWV by installing (Overhead Gunner Protection Kits) or OGPKs on M1151 and M1114 HMMWVs. The integration of the OGPK provided additional protection needed for Soldiers to carry out the Army’s missions. The HUMVEE has proven it is one of the best tactical vehicles within the Army’s inventory and has served our military well for 40 (+) years and still going HUMVEE strong.
Now that I am retired from the military, I have the distinct pleasure and honor of working at AM General with so many talented and passionate people. This is the most rewarding second career I could ask for, and I’m now part of a team with great leadership and excellent collaboration across the board with a laser focus commitment to serving and riding with SGT Smith. The most precious resource a military has are its people and to be afforded the opportunity to support our troops and military in this capacity provides me with a great sense of satisfaction and purpose. Army and HUMVEE strong!
COL (Retired) Darrell Duckworth is AM General’s Executive Director of Domestic Business Development and honorably served on active duty in the US Army for 30 years.
Media Contact: Deborah Reyes, Executive Director, Global Marketing and Strategic Communications
E-mail: deborah.reyes@amgeneral.com