The development of the mechanized United States Army unfolded slowly. The “army mule” had long been considered an icon and soldiers — like other Americans — were aware of a growing competition between machine and beast. At the turn of the century-and for a few years afterwards, military commanders resisted the adoption of the smoky, smelly horseless carriages that scared their army horses and donkeys.
Around 1900 some Woods Electric cars were sent to the Philippines for use by U. S. Army occupation forces, but there’s no indication that motor cars had been employed stateside that early in the 20th century. It wasn’t until over a decade later--in 1912--in an Army trial from Washington D.C. to Ft. Benjamin Harrison, that serious testing of trucks for military use was done.
