units of the M9. The M9 was the same as the IH-produced M5 but with different internal stowage and apart from using IH mechanical components the M9 was longer than the M2. Use The first M2s were fielded in 1941, and would be used in the Philippines, North Africa, and Europe by the U.S. Army, and around the Pacific by the Marines. About 800 M2 and M9 half-tracks were sent to the Soviet Union. Many remaining vehicles initially destined for Lend-Lease were transferred to other U.S. allies, primarily in South America. These vehicles often received a number of upgrades designed at extending service life. The Nicaraguan National Guard received 10 M2s in 1942, which saw heavy action during the 1978-79 Nicaraguan Revolution. The Argentine Army retired its last upgraded M9 in 2006 and donated them to Bolivia. In 1947, the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Vanajan Autotehdas bought 425 M2 half-track vehicles from the Western Allied surplus stocks located in France and Germany. The vehicles were delivered without armor. Some 359 units were converted into field and forest clearing vehicles, some were scrapped for parts and 60 units were equipped with conventional rear axles and converted into 4×4 or 4×2 trucks. They were badged as Vanaja VaWh. The last units were sold in 1952. Former operators - used during the First Indochina War – 10 M2s in service with the National Guard of Nicaragua in 1979. – 23 still in service. Variants Prime mover/scout vehicle M2 White half-track with White 160AX engine. Fitted with a skate rail mount, featuring an M2HB machine gun. M2E6/M2A1 Any vehicle with the improved M49 machine gun ring mount over the right hand front seat. Three fixed pintle mounts for 0.30 machine guns were often fitted at the unit level in the field. M9 International Harvester built half-track, developed to complement the M2 for Lend-Lease, but using the large hull of the M5. Also, it did not feature the rear access doors, and is outwardly very similar to the M5, but with a different internal configuration. The M9A1 was an M9 with the M49 machine gun mount and a rear door. Self-propelled guns M4/M4A1 81mm MMC M2 based motor mortar carriage equipped with the 81 mm M1 mortar. The mortar was intended to be fired dismounted from the vehicle, but could be fired in an emergency to the rear from a base inside the vehicle. The