One example embodiment is a tow bar retention mechanism for a vehicle tow bar of a combat vehicle. The tow bar retention mechanism includes a tow bar retention arm, an elongated locking beam, a quick-release locking mechanism, and a quick-release safety mechanism. The quick-release locking mechanism locks the tow bar retention arm in a locked position placing the vehicle tow bar in a stowed position. The quick-release locking mechanism also unlocks the tow bar retention arm allowing the tow bar retention arm to move to an unlocked position allowing the vehicle tow bar to move to a tow position. The quick-release safety mechanism may be placed in a first position preventing the quick-release locking mechanism from moving from the locked position. The quick-release safety mechanism may also be placed in a second position allowing the quick-release locking mechanism to move from the locked position.