Which FMTV is the base model without any special modifications?

The M1078 is recognized as the base model of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) series, which includes several variants designed for different operational needs. This model serves as the standard cargo truck version, and it comes equipped with the basic configuration suitable for a broad range of transport tasks without the additional features or modifications found in its variants.

The importance of identifying the base model lies in understanding the versatility of the FMTV series, which has been adapted for various roles such as cargo transport, medical evacuation, and maintenance duties. Each variant builds upon the foundational design of the M1078, integrating specific alterations that cater to specialized applications, while the M1078 itself maintains the core capabilities and simplicity of the original design.

Knowing the base model helps trainers and operators to understand the lineage of the FMTV vehicles and how subsequent models like the M1084 (primarily a maintenance variant) and M1083 (expedited for tactical operations) are derived from the foundational M1078 structure, thereby enhancing operational coherence and maintenance protocols across the fleet.