During World War II, the German army was the first in the world to adopt armored personnel carriers and used them very effectively, forcing the Allies to develop similar vehicles, and then adopt the tactics of their use. The main armored personnel carrier used by the Germans was the half-track Sd Kfz 251, usually called the Hanomag. It was used to transport motorized infantry and heavy weapons. Armored personnel carriers were in service with the German army throughout the 2nd World War and were used on all fronts.