Dodge's relationship with the US Military began around 1916 when Dodge Brothers supplied touring cars to the government for use in an operation against Poncho Villa and his revolutionary soldiers from Mexico. The battle, held in May of 1916 was the first time the US Army engaged in motorized battle, earning Dodge this somewhat dubious distinction. The Dodge Brothers had earned the trust of the military and they went on to supply a number of different trucks throughout the coming years. In the late 1930s, with war in Europe looming, officials needed to update the motor fleet and Dodge was once again entrusted to build a medium duty, half-ton four-wheel-drive workhorse. The first VC-series arrived in 1940, though it was essentially a stopgap model, based on a modified civilian chassis. By the time the United States entered the war, however, the purpose built WC series was beginning to hit shore around the world.