FORT IRWIN, Calif. – Popular automotive YouTuber WhistlinDiesel brought high-octane energy to Fort Irwin, California, during a three-day visit from Jan. 10-12, 2025. Known for his viral vehicle destruction videos, WhistlinDiesel traded in wrecked trucks for military hardware, connecting with Soldiers, testing out an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, and sharing field rations in true Army fashion.

Cody Detweiler, better known as WhistlinDieself, carries a belt of 7.62x51, commonly used for a M240B medium machine gun, stands in front of the M1A3 Abrams Main Battle Tank that he later fires to blow up a genuine diamond on Fort Irwin, California, Jan. 11, 2025. To see the results, check out the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5vN0qCSg_4
(Photo courtesy of WhistlinDiesel)

The visit kicked off with a meet-and-greet event at the Shockwave Lounge, where Soldiers and fans gathered to meet the YouTube star in person. The energy in the room was electric as service members exchanged stories and laughter with the internet personality.

On Jan. 10, 2025, Cody Detwiler, better known as Whistlindiesel, stopped by Fort Irwin and the National Training Center for an exclusive Meet and Greet at Shockwave Bar and Grill.
Cody’s visit wasn’t just for fun—it was all about gearing up for an exciting future episode! Fans and followers got the chance to meet him, snap photos, and hear firsthand about his past adventures.

On Jan. 10, 2025, Cody Detwiler, better known as Whistlindiesel, stopped by Fort Irwin and the National Training Center for an exclusive Meet and Greet at Shockwave Bar and Grill.
Cody’s visit wasn’t just for fun—it was all about gearing up for an exciting future episode! Fans and followers got the chance to meet him, snap photos, and hear firsthand about his past adventures.

“I’m here at Fort Irwin, having some fun, to showcase what [Fort Irwin Soldiers and Army Civilians] do every day,” said Cody Detwiler, better known as WhistlinDiesel, who was there to meet Soldiers and Army Civilians at the event. “Everyone I’ve met is amazing, really cool people, down to Earth. There’s a really big sense of family and community. Super cool to have me tag along, see how they do things and have a little bit of fun.”

On Jan. 11, the adrenaline dialed up as WhistlinDiesel climbed into the commander’s hatch of an M1A1 Abrams tank. Under the guidance of 11th Armored Cavalry Regiments’ expert armor crew, he experienced firsthand what it’s like to fire the tank’s massive 120mm main gun. The ground rumbled as the round left the barrel, a moment that left a lasting impression on both the influencer and the Soldiers in attendance.

Cody Detweiler (left), better known as WhistlinDiesel, stands beside Staff Sgt. Gabriel E. Lopez, master gunner, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on the M1A3 Abrams Main Battle Tank that WhistlinDiesel will later fire at a diamond on Fort Irwin California, Jan. 11, 2025. WhistlinDiesel and his team worked closely with the U.S. Army's Soldiers on Fort Irwin and the National Training Center to showcase the lethality that the Army wields.
(Photo courtesy of WhistlinDiesel)

“The Army has helped me ‘Be All I Can Be’ today, by having infinite power at my fingertips. Whatever I point at, I can erase… Responsibly,” he said after the experience. “The Army has also given me the mental power, family, and community to be more positive, to be more disciplined.”

The visit wrapped up with a dining experience unlike any other—MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) shared with Soldiers from across the installation. Sitting around and swapping stories, WhistlinDiesel got a true taste of Army life, one pouch at a time.

“Everyone is super cool, super hospitable,” said Detwiler. “Everyone has a story and they’ve been here for different amounts of time, have been all around the world and are very skilled people.”

Cody Detweiler (right, wearing helmet), is joined by his team (left, wearing black hats), as they speak with Soldiers from Fort Irwin and the National Training Center after firing a M1A3 Abrams Main Battle Tank, just before sitting down and having dinner chow with them on Fort Irwin, California, Jan. 11, 2025. Detweiler was very humbled to work with these U.S. Army Soldiers and was thankful for their service as he demonstrated by speaking with the Soldiers and thanking them individually for their service.

WhistlinDiesel’s visit provided a unique morale boost for Fort Irwin’s Soldiers, blending entertainment with a hands-on appreciation for military life. His ability to connect with service members through shared experiences—whether over a tank round or an MRE—left an impact beyond just viral content.

“I’d love to come back out here and work with the Army again!” said Detwiler.

Cody Detweiler, better known as WhistlinDeisel, received remedial training during his visit to Fort Irwin upon his request of having the "full experience" and having seconds in the chow line on Fort Irwin, California, Jan. 12, 2025.

As he departed Fort Irwin, WhistlinDiesel left with memories of a lifetime—and perhaps an increased level respect for the men and women behind the machines that defend the nation, although he already loves his country and those who serve it.

Cody Detweiler, better known as WhistlinDiesel, straps in to fly out on a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on Fort Irwin, California, Jan. 11, 2025. Detweiler said that he was humbled and proud to work beside U.S. Army Soldiers and is looking forward to returning in the future.

Click HERE to see the video of WhistlinDiesel firing an M1A3 Abrams Main Battle Tank at a real diamond right now!

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Links to #whistlindiesel socials: YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK