Government trucks - what are they? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

engatwork · #1 09-13-2012, 07:33 PM

I see trucks like this on the interstate and was wondering what they are used for? Anyone know? Took these shots at a truck stop near here today. No markings other than the US Federal government tag.

Excuse me while I go get my tin foil hat

.

TheDon · #2 09-13-2012, 07:38 PM

Looks like a GMC or the usual Kodiak/Topkick trucks GM put out

daveuz · #3 09-13-2012, 07:39 PM

GMC C5500..I think

KarTek · #4 09-13-2012, 07:39 PM

Cut and pasted from the Inter-web:

"These units were initially called RAID teams and the initial plan for the teams developed somewhere in 1998 well before 9/11. When the named changed to a CST team, the plan was in place one small unit in each state. With the CST being a national guard unit (although full-time), they are considered a state resource under the control of the state's Adj. General and Governor. They do regular hazmat training with local law enforcement and fire department personnel."

"Each unit typically has the command/communications suite for interoperable communications and a mobile analytical lab unit to test chemicals. Some have additional equipment such as John Deere Gators, equipment trailers, etc. Under the control of their state, they can respond to significant hazmat events not just WMD. Oh... they aren't secret and most would be glad to discuss their roles. They may even show you how an APD2000 works. :-)"

"Those vehicles are part of the 44th Civil Support Team (CST). These respond to WMD incidents and they are operated by specially trained national guard personnel. The first vehicle is the communications suite while the second contains hazmat gear such a protective clothing, air monitors, test kits, etc. Very neat setup."

tbomachines · #5 09-13-2012, 07:39 PM

LOL love the spare tire on the back. My guess would be a SWAT truck, as every county or municipality has at least one but a lot of those are the old grummans...maybe they've upgraded?

engatwork · #6 09-13-2012, 07:51 PM

Thanks KarTek. I figured it was something like that. I'm wondering if there is somewhere down here where they are outfitted because I see them fairly regular headed west on the interstate. I did see the blacked out GMC symbol but did not know what they were set up for.

elchivito · #7 09-13-2012, 07:58 PM

I saw three of them a year or so ago, hard shells on the back, bristling with sat dishes and other antennae escorted front and behind by Crew cab 4x4 chevys with 6 soldiers in each crewcab. The big rigs had windows so dark you couldn't see if there was more than the driver inside. Clearly marked Army, they were in the southbound lane of I-17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix. Impressive looking convoy. They weren't waving at the civvies, that's for sure.

layback40 · #8 09-13-2012, 08:47 PM

Jim,
Are the activities of all your neighbors above board?
For now, no letting off cherry bombs down by the lake.

engatwork · #9 09-13-2012, 09:08 PM

LOL

I sometimes wonder if the neighbors can hear it when I fire up the AK47 during target practicing

. The target is a 4' x 4' piece of roofing sheet metal that I have set up accross the lake. The hunters have another target range set up at their camp which is actually a little closer to civilization. I have not had any complaints nor had any of these trucks coming down my driveway although I do see the helicopters from time to time

. Haven't seen the drones yet but the dogs hear em

.

SwampYankee · #10 09-14-2012, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

I see trucks like this on the interstate and was wondering what they are used for? Anyone know? Took these shots at a truck stop near here today. No markings other than the US Federal government tag.

Excuse me while I go get my tin foil hat

.

I can't help but wonder if there are pics of you taking pics of them floating around the web.