[Ron King]

I very strongly suspect the so called M38A1s tested by the Aust army were not.
The Aust testing pics lack features of a true M38A1, like the lifting loops on the front bumper and the correct body features.
True M38A1 jeeps were 24volt electrics with waterproof/suppressed igniton system.
Bell housing and dist could be pressurised by the exhaust system.
True M38A1 had a full on M series dash board.
The shovel was fitted up under the bonnet.
The battery compartment was water proof and there was a big round cut out just behind the RHS front guard.
The Aust CJ5s tested by the Aust army were most likely fitted locally with miltiary fittings, but no where near the M38A1 standard.

Local CJ5/6s produced in Aust did have some features of military vehicles in the body work like the export open up windscreen and the battery compartment lid was welded fixed to the body work and a single battery fitted in the engine bay, a snorkel cut out was some times provided in the bonnet like the M38A1.
Standard colour supplied was army green
The M38A1 had different wheels in aust models.
Aust produced CJ5/6s tended to have locally produced lucas generator, dist and starter.
The gearbox was slightly different and the diffs/axles tended to be local Borg Warner items.
The Brakes were slightly different, depending on exact year model and production .
Aust tested jeeps were very most likely much different from the M38A1( the M38A1 being a better vehicle all round )
I have owned a Aussie CJ3B and still own a Aussie CJ6 which I have had for more than 27 years.