The Forward Control series of trucks did see limited use in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. There were four variations of the FC-170 to meet the various needs of the military.
These M series Forward Controls were mainly equipped with a Cerlist 2-cycle, 3-cylinder diesel engine displacing 170 cubic inches, producing 85 h.p. at 3000 RPM and 170 ft. lb. of torque at 1900 RPM. In fact I believe that all M-67X trucks built for the Department of the Navy were equipped with the diesel. There is evidence however that some M-series Forward Controls were equipped with the conventional 226 L-6 engine.
All of the military Forward Controls had a Gross Vehicle Weight of 7000 lbs and were equipped with Warner T-90A 3-speed transmission and Spicer 18 Transfer Case. The front axle is the Spicer model 44-F (4.89:1) 3500 lb. capacity full floater. The rear axle is the Spicer model 53 (4.88:1) 4500 lb. capacity semi-floater. Both were available as Powr-Lok (limited slip) axles.
As with most other military applications of the time, the M-67X series trucks were equipped with a 30 amp, 24 volt electrical system. The trucks were equipped with dual 12-volt batteries (Prestolite 11HSA-70) connected in series, a Motorola A24NCD900 30 amp alternator with Motorola TVR 24CD19 voltage regulator.
The dashboard of the military FC was a bit more complicated than the basic FC. In addition to the usual large speedometer, the dash included an oil pressure gage, ammeter, water temperature gage and fuel gage. A military style headlamp and blackout light control. To the right below the oil pressure gage is a windshield washer control.
The cover on the "doghouse' is for access to the radiator cap. The military FCs equipped with the cerlist diesel had the radiator mounted in front of the engine and extending up into the cab. This required a taller engine cover arrangement than that found in the civilian FCs.