During the American revolution, Civil War, teamsters were responsible for driving and caring for horses and carts that carried ammunition, food and other equipment. At times, they carried troops. Other times, they carried the wounded. It was their job to keep the horses and good health and the carts in good condition.

Horses were the engines of the transportation system of the era, though steam locomotives appeared before the Civil War and played a significant role in that conflict. But even a train engine has significant maintenance considerations. 

By the time of WWI, the combustion engine had made its appearance and cars, trucks and aircraft had joined the logistical battlefield. Tanks also made their first appearance during the First World War. These, too, required dedicated attention to keep them operating properly.

By WWII, the combustion engine was the overwhelming workhorse of the American military. While soldiers were often called upon to march into battle, there were times when they were carried in by trucks, tanks and jeeps. The mechanics who kept these vehicles moving were essential, especially since vehicles carried more than military personnel; they carried food, ammo and equipment at levels never seen before in history.

During WWII, U.S. Army requirements for supplies were estimated at 700 tons per day, per division. As many as 74 U.S. Army divisions fought in Europe alone during the Second World War. That requires the transportation of 51,800 tons of supplies per day. That’s a logistical nightmare. But it’s also a miracle that the American military pulled off during the war.

Today, the folks that keep our military vehicles running aren’t necessarily called mechanics. Instead, they work in specialized fields, such as:

• Cargo Specialist
• Watercraft Operator
• Watercraft Engineer
• Motor Transport Operator
• Transportation Management Coordinator
• Railway Equipment Repairer
• Trailway Section Repairer
• Railway Operations Crewmember
• Transportation Senior Sergeant

The level of knowledge required to keep our military’s vehicles operating properly has grown exponentially with advancements in technology. Many of these specialists bring their skills into the private sector when they leave the military, or when working at home as reserves or national guard troops.

In any case, Veterans Day is a good time to remember the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, including those who kept the armies rolling.