What if I told you that right here the future of soldiering is being shaped? Welcome to the United States Army Soldier Systems Center. It is more than just a military installation. It is a hub of innovation dedicated to protecting and sustaining American military forces.
The United States Army Soldier Systems Center focuses solely on the Soldier. Here in Massachusetts, scientists and researchers tackle critical questions. How can we nourish Soldiers operating in the harsh Afghan mountains? How can we lighten the load for troops on patrol in Iraq? These challenges are met head-on at Natick.
The center houses four key units that provide comprehensive support to Soldiers. The Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center NSRDEC is one. The U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine USARIEM is another. Program Manager Field Sustainment and the Integrated Logistics Support Center complete the quartet. Whether it is clothing food shelter or airdrop systems everything is researched and developed right here.
Brig. Gen. John McGuiness once said that they are excited to show Soldiers the work they do for them. He noted that some projects are already in the field easing the burdens of service members.
NSRDEC maximizes warfighter capabilities. It enhances survivability sustainability mobility combat effectiveness and overall field quality of life. They treat the warfighter as a complete system. Dr. John Obusek leads the NSRDEC adding value through technology generation application and transition. This ensures rapid fielding of the right equipment and swift solutions to field problems.
USARIEM improves and sustains warfighter health and performance under any conditions. Col. Gaston Bathalon leads this center of excellence. It is a world-class laboratory for environmental medicine physiology performance and nutrition research.
Col. Gaston Bathalon emphasized USARIEM’s unique role within the Department of Defense. He said that nowhere else can you find such concentrated expertise in Soldier performance and sustainment. The work conducted here impacts every aspect of a Soldier’s daily life. This includes the food they eat how they exercise the uniforms they wear and the equipment they carry.
The ILSC provides streamlined life cycle logistics and materiel readiness support. According to Matt Cooke, the ILSC creates synergy with acquisition and technology partners. This ensures cost-effective logistics support throughout a weapon system’s life cycle. ILSC logisticians are involved from the earliest stages. They contribute to requirements documents and sustainment plans.
The United States Army Soldier Systems Center also houses the U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility. The Coast Guard Clothing Design and Technical office are here as well along with members of the Air Force and Marine Corps.
Nearly 2000 employees work here. Their mission is to maximize combat effectiveness and survivability. The center collaborates with over 200 academic institutions in New England. The economic impact on the Boston area is nearly $400 million.
Here you will find specialized facilities. These include the Doriot Climatic Chambers and the Altitude Chamber. There is also the Hydro-Environmental Chamber and the Soldier Performance Science Center. The Biomechanics Lab the 3-D Anthropometric Lab and the CIE Fightability Course. Not to mention the Bone Health Lab Materials Science Lab and Camouflage Analysis and Demo Lab. The Airdrop Certification Test Facility Textile Testing facilities and the Thermal Test Facility are also on site.
The United States Army Soldier Systems Center professionals are committed to the future. Through STEM outreach they partner with various organizations. These include the Massachusetts Governor’s Council and the MetroWest STEM Education Network. They inspire the next generation of engineers to support future Soldiers. From developing advanced combat gear to pioneering nutrition research this is where the future of soldiering is written.