The US Army's wheeled Workhorse | The Mechanical Mule in the Vietnam War

The M274 Half Ton utility Platform truck dubbed the Mechanical Mule by the troops that used it, is for me one of the most iconic vehicles used by the US forces during the Vietnam war. I take a look at the history of this unique load-baring platform from its inception to its use as a base for the 106mm Recoilless Rifle during the Battle for Hue in 1968.
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All research and opinions are my own. Resource materials are used under fair use.
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[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Thanks for watching! Don't forget to follow me on twitter for more military history - twitter.com/RM_Mili_History

[@resirvoirdog94]

Thanks! I'm reading a book on Hue during Tet, and i was trying to visualize this "mechanical mule". Ingeneous to fire the 106 using it as a platform. Where there's a will, there's a "Hue"

[@jamebrooke894]

My Mule carried my 106mm Recoiless Rifle in the Marines. Loved that little Beast!!

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

I just think they’re neat ✨

[@TheArmourersBench]

Great video mate. I love seeing these videos going from 'Ohh this footage is really cool' to finished mini-doc. So good. What a cool little bit of kit.

[@808TheDuck]

They were in service in the late 70's.

[@duneydan7993]

I had absolutly no idea that thing existed! Thank you for the history!

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Thanks for watching! Stay tuned 🥳

[@curtreus6065]

Awesome piece - Thanks (hoping to buy my own soon)

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Pleasure! I’d love to have a ride in one!

[@flexarnn]

I had no idea about this thing's existence until today and now I want one

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Don’t we all! 😎

[@gillisBR549]

Dad drove one near Da Nang, 65-66, with 2/9 , USMC… there was one at a summer camp I attended in 75, first I’d ever seen, dad told me about one his outfit used in Nam.. said they were tough as nails!!!

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Thanks for watching

[@cheekymonkey87]

It's a pretty fun vehicle to be driven around on.

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

I'd love a ride in one some day!

[@icecoffee1361]

Great video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@VA-yr2lx]

I was a mule driver in 1/5, 81's Plt H&S Company 1976. This was before Weapons Company was created in 1977.

[@jamebrooke894]

Mule driver/ Gunner H&S Co. 3/9 106mm Recoiless Rifle Plt. 75 to 80. What fun!!

[@andropups]

looks like an asymmetric steering wheel position may cause spine problems, if you drive it for a long time. Didn't it?

[@nigelosborne7471]

Thank you for another interesting film on one of the less well known military stories.

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

My pleasure glad you enjoyed!

[@ScottishMilitaryResearchGroup]

Never heard of the mechanical mule until now, thanks for sharing the story!

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

My pleasure!

[@TheJohnlyh]

Ive seen it in documentaries, thanks alot for this video! 😌

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Glad you enjoyed watching! Stay tuned for more 🥰

[@z_c.d]

Bloody hell mate, I'm not sure if it's just me or its just the video, but I can barely hear you!

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

I always find turning up the volume helps! But my audio level skills are getting there 🤩😅🥰

[@z_c.d]

@@RMMilitaryHistory Well I'm sure it won't be that big of a deal later on. You'll do great!

[@VA-yr2lx]

For got to mention, I was the Marines

[@ka4172]

In the eightys german Bundeswehr use the Kraka a foldabel 4x2 vehicel chain driven rear axel same size.

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Oh really , that’s good to know 😎

[@valentimmanu9324]

Hello I am Belgian and I am busy doing a fight scene based on this video and I would like to know the real story of this fight can you help me to argue my diorama which will be done at 1 6th scale the scene happens after 2 minutes and 31 seconds

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

That is footage from the battle of Hue in early 1968

[@valentimmanu9324]

@@RMMilitaryHistory yes that I know but, what was the group of soldiers with the Mule 274 and their 106 mm gun, who knows who knows?