NEXT RALLY: (06-07-08 October, 2023)--See the latest Updates on the previous tab
1. Any former military vehicle of any era or national origin may register to participate.
2. We are not a registered group, but an event for groups to participate. We have no membership or requirements other than registration for Fort Hood installation access.
3. Although primarily a driving event, we regularly host participants that only wish to display their vehicle.
4. We plan bypass routes for those that have concerns about certain challenging areas of the tank trails. Participants travel at their comfort levels and concern for safety of vehicles is paramount!
[NOTE: This is not a mud-slog, but it is not a parade on pavement either]
2. We are not a registered group, but an event for groups to participate. We have no membership or requirements other than registration for Fort Hood installation access.
3. Although primarily a driving event, we regularly host participants that only wish to display their vehicle.
4. We plan bypass routes for those that have concerns about certain challenging areas of the tank trails. Participants travel at their comfort levels and concern for safety of vehicles is paramount!
[NOTE: This is not a mud-slog, but it is not a parade on pavement either]
16th Fort Cavazos- Historic Military Vehicle Rally (HMVR) -- 07-09 OCT 2022
There are a numerous people living in the vicinity of Ft Cavazos (formerly Ft Hood), throughout the state of Texas and adjacent states that have taken time and effort to restore historic military vehicles (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam vintage). Because of the age of these vehicles and the slow speeds they attain, off road activities are necessarily limited. The tank trails on the military reservation provide an excellent venue to exercise these historic vehicles close to paved roads in case of breakdowns and recovery.
We held the first rally on Veteran's Day weekend 2010, and we've subsequently hosted events every year since. Final approval will be staffed via the III Corp and Garrison staff in July leading up to the Rally. But for planning purposes, registrations can be submitted at any time in order to start building our attendance roster.
This event is authorized by the Commanding General and Garrison Commander. We are offering an opportunity for everyone to be able to actually get out and drive your vehicles (wheeled and tracked) in a setting that will exercise your 'warhorse' and have some fun. The installation has over 400+ miles of tank trails to use over the weekend, and we'll be working to schedule a good area to maximize our driving opportunities. Because of the Force Protection regulations, there is some paperwork that you’ll have to navigate to be able to get out on the tank trails, and we’ll walk you through that below.
We decided to move the HMVR to earlier in October. This is to let people spend time with their kids on Halloween, take advantage of decent weather (not too hot or cold), and avoid interfering with other events that people would like to attend. Look forward to seeing everyone in October!
--Dan Martin
We held the first rally on Veteran's Day weekend 2010, and we've subsequently hosted events every year since. Final approval will be staffed via the III Corp and Garrison staff in July leading up to the Rally. But for planning purposes, registrations can be submitted at any time in order to start building our attendance roster.
This event is authorized by the Commanding General and Garrison Commander. We are offering an opportunity for everyone to be able to actually get out and drive your vehicles (wheeled and tracked) in a setting that will exercise your 'warhorse' and have some fun. The installation has over 400+ miles of tank trails to use over the weekend, and we'll be working to schedule a good area to maximize our driving opportunities. Because of the Force Protection regulations, there is some paperwork that you’ll have to navigate to be able to get out on the tank trails, and we’ll walk you through that below.
We decided to move the HMVR to earlier in October. This is to let people spend time with their kids on Halloween, take advantage of decent weather (not too hot or cold), and avoid interfering with other events that people would like to attend. Look forward to seeing everyone in October!
--Dan Martin
New Participant? Some basic ground rules:
All participants who attend event will do so in compliance with Fort Hood regulations and policies. Violations of said policies will result in your being escorted from the Fort Cavazos reservation, a fine or arrest. This event will incur no cost to the government.
- Active Duty training or movement will take priority over this event (means we get out of the way of any unit movement or training).
- All vehicles and personnel will be pre-registered for Area Access Permit [$20 per adult over 17 years - one-time event fee] NOTE: Deadline for registration is to process all participant background checks for access to Fort Cavazos.
- Everyone must attend a mandatory Orientation and Safety brief upon arrival.
- Civilian off-road vehicles will not participate in this event. Participation will be limited to only historic military (wheeled and tracked) vehicles restored to military configuration.
- Weapons or replica of weapons (sidearm, longarm or crew served) must be registered at the Main Gate Visitor Center prior to taking them on post. Main guns for tanks or vehicle mounted artillery are OK (just need to know about it when you register your vehicle).
- Tracked vehicles and motorcycles will have special considerations. Contact me directly for further instructions.
What to bring:
Your vintage “warhorse” to drive, show off, and have fun.
- Uniform and kit to match era of your vehicle. (Personnel on tracked vehicles must wear a helmet) [Kit yourself out fully, or minimum, OD style pants and shirt. Avoid t-shirts with printing or civilian hats and clothes. However, we are not going to turn anyone away].
- Drip pan (to catch any HAZMAT)
- Compass or GPS (we’ll provide maps)
- Repair tools, POL, etc.
- Containers for Extra Water
- Extra fuel (jerry can)--(fuel stops will be built into the schedule of events)
- Cell phone and or radios
- Weapons must be registered (sidearms, longarms or crew served). Main guns for tanks or vehicle mounted artillery are authorized.
- DO NOT BRING ANY LIVE OR BLANK AMMUNITION.
Environmental Concerns:
Fort Hood takes great care of the local environment. Military training has a huge impact on the environment and everything is done to minimize presence. Movement in the training areas will be only on existing tank trails [no brush breaking].
POL leaks: All of these vehicles leak. Tighten everything down as best you can, clean it before you show up and bring a drip pan to put down as soon as you stop. We'll have to follow HAZMAT procedure if there is a spill. If you regularly leave a noticeable trail of oil on the road, you need to reconsider bringing that vehicle.
Roadworthy vehicles: If you have a vehicle 90% restored and it is roadworthy and safe to drive, as long as there is a uniform OD coat of paint, I say that we're good to go (no primer, please). You MUST have proof of insurance with your vehicle to drive on post. You'll have to check with your policies to make sure you are covered.
POL leaks: All of these vehicles leak. Tighten everything down as best you can, clean it before you show up and bring a drip pan to put down as soon as you stop. We'll have to follow HAZMAT procedure if there is a spill. If you regularly leave a noticeable trail of oil on the road, you need to reconsider bringing that vehicle.
Roadworthy vehicles: If you have a vehicle 90% restored and it is roadworthy and safe to drive, as long as there is a uniform OD coat of paint, I say that we're good to go (no primer, please). You MUST have proof of insurance with your vehicle to drive on post. You'll have to check with your policies to make sure you are covered.