So far I don't see any compelling arguments one way or the other -- it comes down to personal preference. I own three 1-tons. Two ('49 Chevy and an '85 Ford) are manuals and one (my '95 Dodge Cummins 3500) is an automatic. My personal preference is that the automatic is nicer for cruising and the manuals are just more fun.
On the military trucks, though ... I find it interesting that that the Army (lead agency for development and acquisition of the basic prime movers) has flip-flopped over the years between autos and manual transmissions on the basic Deuces and 5-tons.
CCKW -- Manual
M-135 -- Auto
M-35 -- Manual
M-939 -- Auto
Having taken the course and getting the license to drive an M-35 (as well as a Humvee, CUCV and other assorted vehicles, but not the M-939), and having driven HUMVEEs, M-35s and 44-pax buses in 3rd world places like Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Thailand, Indianapolis, etc ... the manual is WAY more fun. In traffic in the Pohang (ROK) "Circle of Death," though ... I'd rather have an auto
I like having a choice.
John
