[waiting4something]

Originally Posted by copeab

I know in WWII it was short for "amphibious tractor" and referred to a series of vehicles used to put troops ashore (and sometimes farther).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Vehicle_Tracked

I believe what he was referring to is this, a descendant:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibious_Assault_Vehicle

Yes, that's the thing.