The AWE Striker was first used during a training exercise for new members of the G.I. Joe team. The exercise also served as a test for the A.W.E. Striker, which was driven by Crankcase. Strikers served the team for years in many battles including the invasion of the Cobra-controlled town of Springfield and the Cobra Island civil war, during which a Striker served as Hawk's command vehicle. After the U.S. Army discontinued widespread use of the vehicles, several surplus A.W.E. Strikers were sold to the army of Wolkekuckuckland as part of an agreement between the two countries. Crankcase's A.W.E. Striker was destroyed shortly before the Battle of Benzheen when a Joe strike force was captured by Cobra soldiers.