# Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command_Soldier_Center > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command_Soldier_Center.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command_Soldier_Center > Source revision: 1354088466 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|United States Army laboratory in Natick, Massachusetts}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = DEVCOM Soldier Center | image = CCDCSoldierCenter.png | caption = DEVCOM SC logo | dates = 1954–present | country = United States | branch = Army | type = Research and development | size = 1,017 employees{{Cite web |title=Who We Are {{!}} DEVCOM SC |url=https://sc.devcom.army.mil/who-we-are/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530012311/https://sc.devcom.army.mil/who-we-are/ |archive-date=30 May 2024 |access-date=30 May 2025 |website=sc.devcom.army.mil |date=26 April 2021 |quote=The composition of the total DEVCOM Soldier Center force is: 45-Army Soldiers, 706-Army Civilians, 266-Contractors}} | command_structure = 14px [U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command](/source/U.S._Army_Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command) | garrison = [Natick, Massachusetts](/source/Natick%2C_Massachusetts) | website = [https://sc.devcom.army.mil/ DEVCOM Soldier Center official website] | commander1 = Mr. Douglas A. Tamilio | commander1_label = Director | commander2 = Ms. Jaclyn M. Fontecchio | commander2_label = Deputy Director | identification_symbol = 150px | identification_symbol_label = NSRDEC logo (2007) | identification_symbol_2 = 150px | identification_symbol_2_label = NSRDEC logo (2014) }} The '''U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command''' '''Soldier Center''' ('''DEVCOM''' '''SC'''), commonly known as '''Natick Laboratories''', is a military laboratory located in [Natick, Massachusetts](/source/Natick%2C_Massachusetts), tasked with the research and development of food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and other service member support items for the U.S. military. DEVCOM Soldier Center is a tenant of the '''U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center''' ('''NSSC'''), formerly known as the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (SSC).[https://www.army.mil/natick/ U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center official website] The DEVCOM Soldier Center is a component unit of the [U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command](/source/United_States_Army_Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command) (DEVCOM).{{Cite web |title=Who We Are {{!}} DEVCOM SC |url=https://sc.devcom.army.mil/who-we-are/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530012311/https://sc.devcom.army.mil/who-we-are/ |archive-date=30 May 2024 |access-date=30 May 2025 |website=sc.devcom.army.mil |date=26 April 2021 |quote=The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM Soldier Center) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command. (___enter___); Stretching back to 1954, the CCDC Soldier Center’s history of support for the Soldier has continued uninterrupted for more than six decades, with a focus on Soldier-related research, development and testing and evaluation efforts. If Soldiers wear it, eat it, sleep under it, or have it airdropped to them in theater, it can be traced back to the DEVCOM Soldier Center. Staffed by scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers, the DEVCOM Soldier Center provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, to include field feeding and life support systems, clothing, precision airdrop systems, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems. The composition of the total DEVCOM Soldier Center force is as follows: 45-Army Soldiers, 706-Army Civilians, 266-Contractors}} ==The installation== {{Infobox military installation | name = Natick Soldier Systems Center | partof = | location = [Natick, Massachusetts](/source/Natick%2C_Massachusetts) | image = US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) emblem (11 July 2012) max1200.jpg | image_size = 175px | caption = NSSC emblem | image2 = NSSC Aerial 28-July-2023.jpg | image2_size = 300px | caption2 = Natick Soldier Systems Center facilities | type = Research and development | code = | site_area = | height = | ownership = {{army|United States}} | controlledby = 14px [U.S. Army Installation Management Command](/source/U.S._Army_Installation_Management_Command) | open_to_public = | condition = | built = {{start date and age|1953}} | builder = | used = 1954–present | materials = | demolished = | events = | current_commander = BG George C. Hackler (Senior Commander) | coordinates = {{coord|42|17|23|N|71|21|43.9128|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}} | pushpin_map = USA Massachusetts#USA | pushpin_label = Natick SSC | pushpin_map_caption = Position in Massachusetts | website = [https://www.army.mil/natick/#org-about Natick Soldier Systems Center official website] }} Natick Soldier Systems Center occupies {{convert|78|acre|m2|sp=us}} at its main Natick campus and has an additional {{convert|46|acre|m2|sp=us}} in neighboring communities. The main campus is located to the northwest of Natick center and abuts upon [Lake Cochituate](/source/Lake_Cochituate).{{Cite web |date=April 1983 |title=Natick Laboratories {{!}} HABS/HAER Inventory |url=https://natickma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/582/Chapter-17-PDF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530072725/https://natickma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/582/Chapter-17-PDF |archive-date=30 May 2025 |access-date=30 May 2025 |website=natickma.gov |publisher=US Army DARCOM; US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, DC |pages=5 |quote=The Natick Research and Development Laboratories, located 20 miles west of Boston on the shore of Lake Cochituate in Natick, Massachusetts, is a major U.S. Army laboratory complex responsible chiefly for research and development of clothing, personal equipment and food systems in support of the individual combat soldier. The installation was established in 1953 and is currently {{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} 56 buildings, situated on 78 acres of land. Natick Laboratories also maintains four housing areas, one adjacent to the laboratory complex itself and the others in the nearby suburban communities of Wayland, Needham, and Sudbury. (___enter___); Following World War II, the Army began to investigate the possibility of establishing a consolidated Quartermaster research and development complex. In October 1949, Congress authorized $11 million for the construction of a consolidated Quartermaster research laboratory to be located in Natick. Construction was begun in November 1952, and in October 1953, the Quartermaster Research and Development Center was designated a permanent installation, the new center was unique because it was the first installation in the country that combined the study of human reaction to environment with the study of military equipment under virtually all known climatic conditions. The installation, operable by the summer of 1954, originally consisted of ten reinforced concrete buildings that housed the various research and development activities. Today, the Natick Laboratories is one of DARCOM's central laboratories. The Natick Laboratories includes the Aero-mechanical Engineering Laboratory, the Individual Protection Laboratory, the Science and Advanced Technology Laboratory, the Food Engineering Laboratory, and the Operations Research Systems Office.}} The installation includes facilities from all the military services, not just the Army, and is so configured to allow cross-service cooperation and collaboration both within the facility and with the many academic, industrial and governmental institutions in the [Greater Boston](/source/Greater_Boston) Area. Employee/tenant numbers total 1,957 (159 military personnel, 1,048 civilians and 750 contractors).{{Cite web |date=2004 |orig-date=published before 6 March 2004; page last updated "04 March 2004" |title=Soldier Systems Center Fact Sheets - Installation Snapshot - On-Board Strength |url=http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040306051554/http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |archive-date=6 March 2004 |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |quote=On-Board Strength: SSC/Natick Garrison/Tenants: 1,321; Civilian: 997; Military: 105; Contractors: 219}}{{Cite web |date=2004 |orig-date=published between 20 March 2004 to 11 April 2004; claimed "08 April 2004" |title=Soldier Systems Center Fact Sheets - Installation Snapshot - On-Board Strength |url=http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040411232324/http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |archive-date=11 April 2004 |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |quote=On-Board Strength: SSC/Natick Garrison/Tenants: 1,957; Civilian: 1048; Military: 159; Contractors: 750}}{{Cite web |date=2008 |orig-date=published between 12 October 2008 to 21 December 2008; claimed "09 December 2008" |title=Natick Soldier Systems Center Fact Sheets - Installation Snapshot - On-Board Strength |url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/facts.htm#f3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221031013/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/facts.htm#f3 |archive-date=21 December 2008 |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |quote=On-Board Strength (As of 31 Oct 2008): NSSC/Natick Garrison/Tenants: 1493; Civilian: 1148; Military: 96; Contractors: 213}} The SSC public relations office reported that the installation’s [FY](/source/Fiscal_year)2006 funding totaled approximately $1 billion, and that SSC organizations infused more than $135 million annually into the local economy through installation salaries, utilities, and local contracts.{{Cite web |date=2004 |orig-date=published before 6 March 2004; page last updated "04 March 2004" |title=Soldier Systems Center Fact Sheets - Installation Snapshot - Economic Impact:, Total funding at SSC |url=http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040306051554/http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |archive-date=6 March 2004 |access-date=8 April 2025 |quote=Economic Impact: SSC generates more than $135 million directly into the local economy through salaries, utilities, and local contracts. Estimated economic impact of this investment to the local community exceeds $400 million.; Total funding at SSC: Approximately $1.2 Billion (FY03)}}{{Cite web |date=2006 |orig-date=published between 20 February 2006 to 27 April 2006; claimed "03 March 2006" |title=Soldier Systems Center Fact Sheets - Installation Snapshot - Economic Impact:, Total funding at SSC |url=http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427020344/http://www.natick.army.mil:80/about/facts.htm#f3 |archive-date=27 April 2006 |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |quote=Economic Impact: SSC generates more than $135 million directly into the local economy through salaries, utilities, and local contracts. Estimated economic impact of this investment to the local community exceeds $400 million.; Total funding at SSC: Approximately $1 Billion (FY06)}} The installation commander is a United States Army [brigadier general](/source/Brigadier_general_(United_States)), currently Brig. Gen. George C. Hackler. BG Hackler also serves as the deputy commanding general of [U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command](/source/United_States_Army_Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command).{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Our Leaders - Brig. Gen. George 'Chris' Hackler |url=https://devcom.army.mil/leadership/brig-gen-george-chris-hackler/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408185750/https://devcom.army.mil/leadership/brig-gen-george-chris-hackler/ |archive-date=8 April 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=devcom.army.mil |publisher=[U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command](/source/U.S._Army_Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command) (DEVCOM, CCDC) |quote=Brig. Gen. George ‘Chris’ Hackler assumed the role of Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) on July 31, 2024."; ... "He concurrently serves as the Senior Commander of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center located in Natick, Massachusetts.}} ==Mission== NSSC includes facilities designed to research and test both materials (textiles, combat rations), advanced technologies and human performance (human research volunteers) under simulated environmental extremes (altitude, heat, cold, wind, etc.). The requirement for improved combat rations has led to groundbreaking developments in the field of [food irradiation](/source/food_irradiation) and [freeze-drying](/source/freeze-drying) techniques. Improved [body armor](/source/body_armor), new [military parachuting](/source/military_parachuting) technology, and enhanced military garments designed for a variety of environments are all ongoing efforts. ==History== [[File:PDN Levels RGB InDfalt Out255 0.70 0, A-L, AKVIS HC-N, Shrpns60 HC-N, PDN Absframecrop, Rotate Bicubic 3.25 deg - Area view Color Film Negative NSSC Photo Collection (ca. 1951–1984) 008158 image primary(.png).jpg|thumb|305x305px|Natick Laboratories on [Lake Cochituate](/source/Lake_Cochituate), ca. 1960]]Following [World War II](/source/World_War_II), the Army began to investigate the possibility of establishing a consolidated [Quartermaster](/source/United_States_Army_Quartermaster_Corps) research and development complex. Distanced locations led to duplications of effort. Quartermaster-type work was then performed at: * the [Office of the Quartermaster General](/source/Quartermaster_General_of_the_United_States_Army), in [Washington, D.C.](/source/Washington%2C_D.C.), * the [Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot](/source/Jeffersonville_Quartermaster_Depot), located in [Jeffersonville, Indiana](/source/Jeffersonville%2C_Indiana), housed the textile and mechanical shops, * the [Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot](/source/Philadelphia_Quartermaster_Depot), located in [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania](/source/Philadelphia), housed the Pioneering Research Laboratory and the Chemicals and Plastics and Textile laboratories, * the Climatic Research Laboratory, in [Lawrence, Massachusetts](/source/Lawrence%2C_Massachusetts), and * the Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces, headquartered in [Chicago, Illinois](/source/Chicago).{{Cite web |last=[Brig. Gen.](/source/Brig._Gen.) Odell |first=Joseph C. |date=July–August 1954 |title=The New Quartermaster Research and Development Command |url=https://www.quartermasterfoundation.org/the-new-quartermaster-research-and-development-command/ |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003052904/https://www.quartermasterfoundation.org/the-new-quartermaster-research-and-development-command/ |archive-date=3 October 2022 |access-date=8 April 2025 |website=quartermasterfoundation.org |publisher=The Quartermaster Review}} The Quartermaster Research Laboratory at Natick, Massachusetts, was authorized by [Congress](/source/United_States_Congress) in October 1949. Construction on the laboratory began in November 1952. The ceremonial [laying of a cornerstone](/source/Cornerstone) for the Natick facility happened on 30 May 1953, with Speaker [Joseph W. Martin Jr.](/source/Joseph_W._Martin_Jr.), Sen. [Leverett Saltonstall](/source/Leverett_Saltonstall), Sen. [John F. Kennedy](/source/John_F._Kennedy), and others in attendance.{{Cite book |last=Earls |first=Alan R. |title=U.S. Army Natick Laboratories: The Science Behind the Soldier |publisher=[Arcadia](/source/Arcadia_Publishing) |year=2005 |isbn=9780738537290 |pages= |language=en |quote=|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/U_S_Army_Natick_Laboratories/zOA8L5iAPGoC?gbpv=1|access-date=6 May 2026}} In October 1953, the Quartermaster Research Laboratory was redesignated as the Quartermaster Research and Development Center (QM R&D Center), and designated a Quartermaster Class II installation. Also in October 1953, the Quartermaster Research and Development Command (QM R&D Command) was established at Natick, Massachusetts. The laboratory, officially known as the Quartermaster R&D Center, was operable by summer 1954. In January 1957, the QM R&D Command was redesignated as the Quartermaster Research and Engineering Command (QM R&E Command). Around that time, the QM R&D Center was renamed as the Quartermaster Research and Engineering Center (QM R&E Center).{{Cite web |last=de Percin |first=Fernard P. |last2=Falkowski |first2=Sigmund J. |date=September 1957 |title=Handbook of the Quartermaster Research and Engineering Center > Environment and Climatic Test Facilities |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Handbook_of_the_Quartermaster_Research_a/auPb8BXf1sQC?hl=en&gbpv=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260506100814/https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5QadVTyZMSAuTrpNxENI71f6zsGbmfSM_S0lKE-2dlDJwVYg2srz9A1mPlv-T3xFSPdvD1vcknEMzkMx3PS15IHTMnoFiNdUzrbPaaJBOy8ghjLBXvCpCo1Vt4euZCHbrm7p7Qz6VFe2ytWvPt4qcqQcmldMbGUcbK9_hViTKnGEJgU6Q1pGOL_ZJOzzYhFPGkUIttSMMlulH2G0MKq_3bvCTemS_jcvBul--21DoTLCKTh2qc6QU8zxvN9SgCWfequYU2Rowg_o00paOpns_wXhHFS_MuA |archive-date=6 May 2026 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=www.google.com/books |publisher=Environmental Protection Research Division, Quartermaster Research and Engineering Center}} === 1960s === In July 1961, the [U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine](/source/U.S._Army_Research_Institute_of_Environmental_Medicine) (USARIEM) was activated at the Natick installation.{{Cite web |date=31 October 2001 |title=A Quick History of Army Research in Natick, Massachusetts |url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/history.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030430001807/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/history.htm |archive-date=30 April 2003 |access-date=19 March 2025 |website=natick.army.mil (Yellow)}} The Quartermaster R&E Center was placed under the [U.S. Army Materiel Command](/source/United_States_Army_Materiel_Command) (AMC) in July 1962, and in November that year, was redesignated as the U.S. Army Natick Laboratories. In August 1963, the [Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces](/source/Quartermaster_Food_and_Container_Institute_for_the_Armed_Forces) (QMFCI) moved to Natick.{{Cite web |date=1952 |title=Activities report, third quarter, October 1952 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Activities_Report_of_the_Quartermaster_F/svDhVf4KeDAC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA256&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260506095451/https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5QacAf65HTgVC4ZNZWNOZpW86mzHdE69C7frCZlD73EPa3UlI5NAaVg9k0o2eA6EKffCYVBBVD7wzqBQaTucY4cjbGo0EyigfyaXb1wk8jEvwKBSsa-fxdhb3iYcv-doomwInCUea9D6FZ8DwZ4PDp_eEZ7pxJyaLEwUk-b3aSBCB0XKJ2b4Pchax9c55lCX0k9aSRneiEb_FbybFSzoyzvgqRTJFgRGqA2ui13gl1zgL0ANiTNH5ZFfnwUwg2ikseP5JyKe87ZCjpDmSJZxYT2_HEjaxNA |archive-date=6 May 2026 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=www.google.com/books |series=Volume 4, Number 3 |publisher=Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces |pages=256–257 / pdf pp. 487–488 |quote=QMFCI}} The [Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility](/source/Navy_Clothing_and_Textile_Research_Facility) (NCTRF) relocated from [Bayonne, New Jersey](/source/Bayonne%2C_New_Jersey), to Natick in July 1967. === 1970s === Natick Laboratories was assigned to the [U.S. Army Troop Support Command](/source/Troop_Support_Command) (TROSCOM) in July 1973. Nearly two years later, in March 1975, Natick Laboratories was renamed as the U.S. Army Natick Development Center and was reassigned to AMC. In January 1976, the NDC became the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Command (NARADCOM), which remained a reporting unit to the then-renamed AMC, the U.S. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command (DARCOM). === 1980s === NARADCOM was redesignated as the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Laboratories in September 1980. The laboratory was renamed as the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Center in October 1983, when it was reassigned to TROSCOM. In 1982, Natick Laboratories surrendered control to [Fort Devens](/source/Fort_Devens) of 3,100 acres in the Massachusetts towns of [Hudson](/source/Hudson%2C_Massachusetts), [Maynard](/source/Maynard%2C_Massachusetts), [Stow](/source/Stow%2C_Massachusetts) and [Sudbury](/source/Sudbury%2C_Massachusetts) to become a field training facility. The land was an ordnance supply depot during World War II. After being an [Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency) "superfund" cleanup site in the 1990s, it became the [Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge](/source/Assabet_River_National_Wildlife_Refuge). On 1 October 1986, NRDC was redesignated as the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NRDEC). The new NRDEC accompanied three other then-renamed research, development and engineering centers (RDECs): the [Armament RDEC](/source/Armament_Research%2C_Development_and_Engineering_Center), the [Belvoir RDEC](/source/Belvoir_Research%2C_Development_and_Engineering_Center), and the [Chemical RDEC](/source/Chemical_Research%2C_Development_and_Engineering_Center).{{Cite web |date=12 June 1989 |title=AMC Regulation 10-2 |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/AMC_Regulation/oW5HAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=SA28-PA16&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260506123255/https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5QafBUYA_Xol7WoXTvi5wm1lw0SUQO1qN9v_-eBsGhHt8H95LUql3eU0teYyDCraOWbe11dcGD-D4i9JKpSh4mUnxsc_EYMPbR3PvCZGEs3b_dpFQcXjV4jxvB-La0H0bANYi3imqikEODpG7fVSSy3wSy9Ra14ilpYYYesfJnJVqm4zabAY_J3bJfDbA5s7z2qPNGLtki1QX_loTd9SVK_EmczZm9o-yetbKqfn-ORV5X_WjS1qFfz8BRTdqSmL40ruCfBQ9 |archive-date=6 May 2026 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=www.google.com/books |pages=26-16 / pdf p. 451 |id=AMC-R 10-2}}{{Cite web |date=|orig-date=|title=Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center|url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/nrdec/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980420092746/http://www-sscom.army.mil/nrdec/|archive-date=20 April 1998|access-date=13 April 2025|website=www-sscom.army.mil/nrdec}} === 1990s === The NRDEC was assigned to the [U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command](/source/U.S._Army_Aviation_and_Troop_Command) (ATCOM) in October 1992. (Elements of AMC and TROSCOM merged in July 1992 to form the ATCOM, located in St. Louis, Missouri.) The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command (SSCOM) was activated at the Natick installation in November 1994.{{Cite web |date=1996 |title=U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command Annual Command History FY96 |url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/808497/20181457MNBT950588506F257999I001.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808141108/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/808497/20181457MNBT950588506F257999I001.pdf |archive-date=8 August 2024 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=emu.usahec.org}} Elements subsequently established at the Natick installation included the Sustainment and Readiness Directorate (February 1995) and Product Manager, Soldier Support (October 1995). Elements subsequently relocated to Natick included the Clothing and Services Office from [Fort Lee](/source/Fort_Lee_(military_base)), Virginia, (October 1996) and the Product Manager, [Force Provider](/source/Force_Provider) (June 1997). In October 1997, the Sustainment and Readiness Directorate became the SSCOM Integrated Materiel Management Center (IMMC).{{Cite web |last=Kofalt |first=Patrick J. |last2=Perry |first2=Paula J. |date=January–February 1999 |title=Filling the Gap in Soldier Support {{!}} Army Logistician magazine |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Army_Logistician/7VbJiWTVYfQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA30&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260506101800/https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5Qaf4JEqr6gEIPo76icWCLmjcbdHRuwzeFXKNmNQO_bZk0jK2XE-pLM8ebNR6Fw1CvDVjuV2V7L5koqgqWM7m07zD8D2FWbIhkp-IN-qs5fTBd2__Dc0Hwx_xp9-aKM0NVOJQ6y8y2U93cYdhcuc8akTWq7MFCPkhoFvBoSdk9lWveJGNmS8wx7cWtKYfK-GFn4Q5KRhJBDZGxTBSTCa_3aNn_bbvl9aYrot6gAd3YXqFl2BAn0YHAXjIkW8vG0-k1-WVpVoC |archive-date=6 May 2026 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=www.google.com/books |pages=30–32 / pdf pp. 37–39}} In October 1998, the SSCOM merged with the [U.S. Army Chemical Biological Defense Command](/source/United_States_Army_Chemical_Biological_Defense_Command) (CBDCOM), forming the [U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command](/source/United_States_Army_Soldier_and_Biological_Chemical_Command) (SBCCOM).{{Cite web |date=1998 |orig-date=published before 8 May 1999; claimed "18 December 1998" |title=Soldier Systems Center (Natick) - Center Overview |url=http://www-sscom.army.mil/natick/natick.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990508060503/http://www-sscom.army.mil/natick/natick.htm |archive-date=8 May 1999 |access-date=13 April 2025 |website=www-sscom.army.mil |quote=On October 1, 1998, two premier commands, the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command (SSCOM) located in Natick, Mass., and the U.S. Army Chemical Biological Defense Command (CBDCOM) located at the Edgewood area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., merged to become the U.S. Army Soldier & Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM). By combining soldier with chemical/biological expertise, the new command will better protect our military and civilian communities. The installation known formerly as SSCOM is now known as the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center and is the Natick part of SBCCOM. The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (Natick) will be referred to as Natick in all subsequent references. Natick remains dedicated to improving each individual soldier's survivability and lethality on the battlefield. Full life cycle management from basic science, to product development, equipment integration, acquisition, and finally sustainment makes this mission possible. Taking a revolutionary approach to the oldest and most basic item of warfare, Natick focuses on the individual soldier as a complete weapons platform. New, complex technologies are incorporated only when soldier acceptance is proven. Supporting the Army Chief of Staff's Force XXI vision, Natick ensures that the individual soldier is prepared to meet the complex, digitized and changing battlefield of tomorrow. Soldiers and their equipment must be integrated to achieve a balance among the soldier's warfighting capabilities, including lethality, mobility, sustainability, survivability, and command and control. To support its mission, Natick has five major line organizations located in Natick, Mass.: a Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, the Soldier Center of Excellence (SCOE), the Integrated Materiel Management Center, the Product Manager-Soldier Support, and Product Manager-Force Provider. In addition, Project Manager-Soldier is located at Fort Belvoir, Va.}} At that time, the installation was renamed as the Soldier Systems Center (SSC). Around that time, the SSCOM IMMC transitioned to become the SBCCOM IMMC, incorporating the mission of managing chemical and biological defense equipment from CBDCOM. Also in October 1998, NRDEC was redesignated as the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC).{{Cite web |title=Homepage {{!}} Natick Soldier Center |url=http://www.natick.army.mil/soldier/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000308040232/http://www.natick.army.mil/soldier/index.htm |archive-date=8 March 2000 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |quote=At the Natick Soldier Center (NSC), formerly known as the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NRDEC), "We Do Something for the Warfighter Every Day." In keeping with this motto, we are deeply committed to making our soldiers, and other members of the American Armed Forces, the best equipped, best clothed, best fed, and best protected in the world.}} === 2000s === In January 2002, the Product Manager, Soldier Support was replaced by the Product Manager, Force Sustainment Systems (PM FSS). PM FSS was a part of the Project Manager, Force Projection (PM FP), which was a component of the Program Executive Office, Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS).{{Cite web |title=Product Manager, Soldier Support Redirect |url=http://www.natick.army.mil/pmss/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030216133121/http://www.natick.army.mil/pmss/index.htm |archive-date=16 February 2003 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=www.natick.army.mil/pmss}} The PM FSS remained at Natick, and incorporated the Product Manager, [Force Provider](/source/Force_Provider).{{Cite web |title=Product Manager, Force Sustainment Systems |url=http://peocscss.tacom.army.mil/pmFSS.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070426080015/http://peocscss.tacom.army.mil/pmFSS.htm |archive-date=26 April 2007 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=peocscss.tacom.army.mil}} When SBCCOM was discontinued in 2003, the command's IMMC was transferred to the [U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command](/source/United_States_Army_Tank-automotive_and_Armaments_Command) (TACOM), incorporating the IMMC's mission of managing the Army's soldier equipment and chemical and biological (CB) defense equipment under TACOM.{{Cite web |date=2 June 2003 |title=Operational Control of the Army’s Soldier Biological and Chemical Command’s Integrated Materiel Management Center Transferred to TACOM |url=http://www.tacom.army.mil/main/news/6-2-03.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030923073853/http://www.tacom.army.mil/main/news/6-2-03.html |archive-date=23 September 2003 |access-date=6 May 2026 |website=www.tacom.army.mil}} In June 2003, the NSC was transferred to the newly established [U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command](/source/U.S._Army_Research%2C_Development_and_Engineering_Command) (RDECOM).{{Cite web |date=29 September 2003|title=New organizations to be recognized during ceremony|url=http://www.rdecom.army.mil/pressrelease29Sep.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204085429/http://www.rdecom.army.mil/pressrelease29Sep.pdf|archive-date=4 December 2003|access-date=12 October 2025|website=www.rdecom.army.mil}} In the late 2000s, the NSC was redesignated as the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC).{{Cite web |date=14 March 2007|title=US Army Soldier Systems Center (SSC) Organization Snapshot|url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/Organizational_Snapshot.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623050731/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/Organizational_Snapshot.pdf|archive-date=23 June 2007|access-date=28 May 2025|website=www.natick.army.mil|quote=[The] U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (nsrdec.natick.army.mil) ensures U.S. Troops are the best equipped, best clothed, best fed, and best protected in the world through science and technology in the areas of airdrop, combat feeding, individual clothing and equipment, shelters, and Soldier system integration.}} In October 2003, the U.S. Army Garrison Natick was established, a component of the [U.S. Army Installation Management Agency](/source/U.S._Army_Installation_Management_Agency) (IMA).{{Cite web |last=Accetta |first=David |date=January 2026 |title=Transformation and Training Command activated {{!}} Soldier Systems Center Spotlight |url=https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_76295.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260117050050/https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_76295.pdf |archive-date=17 January 2026 |access-date=6 May 2026 |pages=35 / pdf p. 18}} (Later, the IMA transitioned into the U.S. Army Installation Management Command). === 2010s === On 3 February 2019, NSRDEC was renamed as the U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center (of [Combat Capabilities Development Command](/source/Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command)).{{Cite web |last=Benson|first=Jane|date=4 February 2019|title=NSRDEC, now the CCDC Soldier Center, has a new name and a bright future|url=https://www.army.mil/article/216966/nsrdec_now_the_ccdc_soldier_center_has_a_new_name_and_a_bright_future|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108090404/https://www.army.mil/article/216966/nsrdec_now_the_ccdc_soldier_center_has_a_new_name_and_a_bright_future|archive-date=8 January 2021|access-date=31 May 2025|website=www.army.mil|publisher=CCDC Soldier Center Public Affairs, CCDC Soldier Center, Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA|publication-place=NATICK, Mass.|quote=The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC, located in Natick, Mass., became the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or CCDC Soldier Center, on February 3.}} Afterward, the abbreviation gradually transitioned from CCDC Soldier Center to the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center.{{Cite web |title=Homepage {{!}} CCDC SC|url=https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714210945/https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/|archive-date=14 July 2020|access-date=31 May 2025|website=ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil}}{{Cite web |title=Homepage {{!}} DEVCOM SC / CCDC SC|url=https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/#/|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127173231/https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/#/|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=31 May 2025|website=ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil}}{{Cite web |title=Homepage {{!}} DEVCOM SC|url=https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419150113/https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/|archive-date=19 April 2022|access-date=31 May 2025|website=ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil}} === 2020s === In October 2025, the [U.S. Army Futures Command](/source/United_States_Army_Futures_Command) (AFC) and the [U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command](/source/United_States_Army_Training_and_Doctrine_Command) (TRADOC) merged, forming the [U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command](/source/United_States_Army_Transformation_and_Training_Command) (T2COM), which unified the recruitment, training, and equipment development functions in one command. DEVCOM, previously under AFC, was placed under the [U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Command](/source/United_States_Army_Futures_and_Concepts_Command) (FCC), a command under T2COM. DEVCOM Soldier Center's parent headquarters is DEVCOM. The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), a part of [U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command](/source/United_States_Army_Medical_Research_and_Development_Command) (MRDC), is also now under FCC. ==Tenant units and facilities== thumb|Natick Laboratories view, facing south-east|305x305pxNSSC hosts several tenant units and facilities. The following lists detail them.{{Cite web |last=Harlow |first=John |date=20 October 2009 |title=NSSC Tenant Organizations |url=http://www.army.mil/-links/2009/10/20/29017-nssc-tenant-organizations/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214024102/http://www.army.mil/-links/2009/10/20/29017-nssc-tenant-organizations/ |archive-date=14 December 2009 |access-date=31 May 2025 |website=www.army.mil |quote=NSSC Tenant Organizations (_enter_); US ARIEM (_enter_); US Army ILSC-SBC (_enter_); US Navy NCTRF (_enter_); US Army NSRDEC (_enter_); US Army PM Soldier Equipment (_enter_); US Army PM FSS (_enter_); US Army RMAC-Natick}}{{Cite web |title=USAG-Natick Garrison |url=http://www.natick.army.mil/garrison/about/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417171539/http://www.natick.army.mil/garrison/about/index.html |archive-date=17 April 2010 |access-date=31 May 2025 |website=natick.army.mil |quote=The U.S. Army Garrison – Natick has the mission to provide installation services supporting Soldiers and family readiness and research, development and acquisition. (___enter___); The vision of the Garrison is a sustainable community that fosters mission excellence by providing unparalleled facilities and customer service, delivered by a motivated, professional workforce. (___enter___); The U.S. Army Garrison – Natick supports these major units: (_enter_); The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (_enter_); U.S. Army Soldier Research Development and Engineering (_enter_); U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (_enter_); Product Manager – Force Sustainment Systems (_enter_); Product Manager – Clothing and Individual Equipment (_enter_); U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (_enter_); U.S. Coast Guard Clothing Design and Technical Office (_enter_); Integrated Logistics Support Center (_enter_); Army Contracting Command, RDECOM Contracting Center – Natick Contracting Division (_enter_); Document Automation and Production Service (_enter_); U.S. Army Medical Command Occupational Health Clinic (_enter_); Network Enterprise Center – Natick (_enter_); Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (___enter___); The goals of the USAG Natick are to provide a first rate quality of life for Soldiers, families and civilian workforce; provide world-class facilities, services, infrastructure and environmental stewardship; resources and services fully supporting the installation and the Total Army and provide a highly skilled, motivated, customer-focused organization supporting current and future missions. (___enter___); The USAG Natick was established in 2003 with the establishment of the Installation Management Agency (IMA) and was assigned to the Northeast Region Office located at Fort Monroe, Va. In 2006, IMA became the U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM). The USAG Natick continues to report to the IMCOM Northeast Region Office. (___enter___); The USAG Natick continues to focus on Safety and Risk Management; the support of mission readiness; supporting the quality of life; strategic communications at all levels; strengthening business processes and taking care of Soldiers, families and civilians.}} List of tenant centers, offices, and elements: * U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, an element of the [U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command](/source/United_States_Army_Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command) (DEVCOM) * [U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine](/source/United_States_Army_Research_Institute_of_Environmental_Medicine) (USARIEM), a laboratory of the [U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command](/source/United_States_Army_Medical_Research_and_Material_Command) (MRDC) * [U.S. Army Installation Management Command](/source/United_States_Army_Installation_Management_Command) (IMCOM){{Clarify|date=July 2025}} * [U.S. Army Integrated Logistics and Support Center](/source/United_States_Army_Integrated_Logistics_and_Support_Center) (ILSC) * [Coast Guard Clothing Design and Technical Office](/source/United_States_Coast_Guard_Clothing_Design_and_Technical_Office) (CDTO) * [Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility](/source/Navy_Clothing_and_Textile_Research_Facility) (NCTRF) * Elements of PM-Soldier Equipment (part of [Program Executive Office, Soldier](/source/PEO_Soldier), with its main facilities located at [Fort Belvoir](/source/Fort_Belvoir), Virginia) * [U.S. Army Product Manager, Force Sustainment Systems](/source/Product_Manager_Force_Sustainment_Systems) (PM FSS) Additional services: * An office of the [General Services Administration](/source/General_Services_Administration) (GSA) * An office of the Hanscom Federal Credit Union * An office of the [U.S. Army Health Services Command](/source/United_States_Army_Health_Services_Command){{Update inline|date=May 2026}} * An office of the [Defense Automated Printing Service](/source/Defense_Automated_Printing_Service) * An office of the [U.S. Army Audit Agency](/source/U.S._Army_Audit_Agency) List of facilities and laboratories: * The [Doriot Climatic Chamber Complex](/source/Doriot_Climatic_Chambers) * [Combat Rations Production and Packaging Facility](/source/Combat_Rations_Production_and_Packaging_Facility) * [3-D Anthropometrics Laboratory](/source/3-D_Anthropometrics_Laboratory) * [Camouflage Evaluation Facility](/source/Camouflage_Evaluation_Facility) * [Rain Court](/source/Rain_Court) * [Hydro-Environmental Chamber](/source/Hydro-Environmental_Chamber) * Shade Room * [Fiber Plant](/source/Fiber_Plant) * [Thermal and Flame Laboratory](/source/Thermal_and_Flame_Laboratory) * [Military Operations in Urban Environment](/source/Military_Operations_in_Urban_Terrain) (MOUT) Lab/Facility == List of commanding generals == {{Incomplete list|date=April 2025}} {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! rowspan=2| {{abbr|No.|Number}} ! colspan=2| Commanding General ! colspan=3| Term |- ! Portrait ! Name ! Took office ! Left office ! Duration |- |colspan="6" align="center"| '''As U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command''' {{Officeholder table | order = 1 | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Brig Gen Henry T. Glisson.jpg | officeholder = [Henry T. Glisson](/source/Henry_T._Glisson) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = November 1994{{cite web | url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/808497/20181457MNBT950588506F257999I001.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808141108/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/808497/20181457MNBT950588506F257999I001.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=2024-08-08 | title= U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command Annual Command History FY96 | website=emu.usahec.org }} | term_end = May 1996{{cite web | url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/808497/20181457MNBT950588506F257999I001.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808141108/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/808497/20181457MNBT950588506F257999I001.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=2024-08-08 | title= U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command Annual Command History FY96 | website=emu.usahec.org }} | timeinoffice = ~{{ayd|1 November 1994|1 May 1996}} }} |colspan="6" align="center"| '''As U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center''' {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = US_Army_BG_Philip_M._Mattox(.png).jpg | officeholder = [Philip M. Mattox](/source/Philip_M._Mattox) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = June/July 2000{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2001/01-45.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628192927/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2001/01-45.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Soldier Systems Center welcomes new commander | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 6 August 2001{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2001/01-45.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628192927/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2001/01-45.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Media Advisory - Soldier Systems Center welcomes new commander | website=natick.army.mil }} | timeinoffice = ~{{ayd|6 July 2000|6 August 2001}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = AKVIS LC - US Army BG James Lewis Kennon(.png).jpg | officeholder = [James L. Kennon](/source/James_L._Kennon) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 6 August 2001{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2001/01-45.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628192927/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2001/01-45.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Media Advisory - Soldier Systems Center welcomes new commander | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 9 July 2002{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2002/02-32.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193653/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2002/02-32.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Media Advisory - Soldier Systems Center welcomes new commander | website=natick.army.mil }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|6 August 2001|9 July 2002}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = | officeholder = [Craig A. Peterson](/source/Craig_A._Peterson) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 9 July 2002{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2002/02-32.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193653/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2002/02-32.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Media Advisory - Soldier Systems Center welcomes new commander | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 10 October 2003{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2003/03-34.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193027/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2003/03-34.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=New commander welcomed | website=natick.army.mil }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|9 July 2002|10 October 2003}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Colonel | image = | officeholder = [David J. Bongi](/source/David_J._Bongi) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 10 October 2003{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2003/03-34.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193027/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2003/03-34.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=New commander welcomed | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 7 July 2004{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-27.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628191039/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-27.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Soldier Systems Center holds change of command | website=natick.army.mil }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|10 October 2003|7 July 2004}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = | officeholder = [James R. Moran](/source/James_R._Moran) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 7 July 2004{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-27.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628191039/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-27.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Soldier Systems Center holds change of command | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = ~25 July 2006 | timeinoffice = ~{{ayd|7 July 2004|25 July 2006}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = AKVIS HC-N - US Army BG R. Mark Brown(.png).jpg | officeholder = [R. Mark Brown](/source/R._Mark_Brown) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 25 July 2006{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2006/06-26.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193127/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2006/06-26.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Assumption of Command Ceremony at U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 21 November 2008{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2008/08-39.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193223/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2008/08-39.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Natick Soldier Systems Center holds change of command ceremony | website=natick.army.mil }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|25 July 2006|21 November 2008}} }} |colspan="6" align="center"| '''As U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center''' {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = AKVIS LC - US Army BG Peter N. Fuller(.png).jpg | officeholder = [Peter N. Fuller](/source/Peter_N._Fuller) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 21 November 2008{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2008/08-39.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628193223/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2008/08-39.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2009-06-28 | title=Natick Soldier Systems Center holds change of command ceremony | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 27 August 2009{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2009/09-20.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116095934/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2009/09-20.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2010-01-16 | title=Media Advisory - U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center to welcome new commanding general and sergeant major | website=natick.army.mil }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|21 November 2008|27 August 2009}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Harold J. Greene.jpg | officeholder = [Harold J. Greene](/source/Harold_J._Greene) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 27 August 2009{{cite web | url=http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2009/09-20.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116095934/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2009/09-20.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2010-01-16 | title=Media Advisory - U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center to welcome new commanding general and sergeant major | website=natick.army.mil }} | term_end = 10 May 2011{{cite web | url=https://soldiersystems.net/2011/05/27/bg-mcguiness-assumes-command-of-nssc/ | title=BG McGuiness Assumes Command of NSSC | website=soldiersystems.net | date=27 May 2011 }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|27 August 2009|10 May 2011}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = John J. McGuiness.jpg | officeholder = [John J. McGuiness](/source/John_J._McGuiness) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 10 May 2011{{cite web | url=https://soldiersystems.net/2011/05/27/bg-mcguiness-assumes-command-of-nssc/ | title=BG McGuiness Assumes Command of NSSC | website=soldiersystems.net | date=27 May 2011 }} | term_end = 5 December 2013{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/116526/Natick_welcomes_new_senior_commander/ | title=Natick welcomes new senior commander | website=www.army.mil | date=5 December 2013 }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|10 May 2011|5 December 2013}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William Cole, the chief of staff for the assistant secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), poses for a command portrait in the Army portrait studio at the Pentagon 131101-A-SS368-001.jpg | officeholder = [William E. Cole](/source/William_E._Cole_(brigadier_general)) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 5 December 2013{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/116526/Natick_welcomes_new_senior_commander/ | title=Natick welcomes new senior commander | website=www.army.mil | date=5 December 2013 }} | term_end = 24 November 2015{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/159121/NSSC_welcomes_new_senior_mission_commander/ | title=NSSC welcomes new senior mission commander | website=www.army.mil | date=24 November 2015 }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|5 December 2013|24 November 2015}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Thomas H. Todd III (1).jpg | officeholder = [Thomas H. Todd III](/source/Thomas_H._Todd_III) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 24 November 2015{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/159121/NSSC_welcomes_new_senior_mission_commander/ | title=NSSC welcomes new senior mission commander | website=www.army.mil | date=24 November 2015 }} | term_end = 5 January 2017{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/179587/senior_commander_says_goodbye_to_nssc | title=Senior commander says goodbye to NSSC | website=www.army.mil | date=13 December 2016 }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|24 November 2015|5 January 2017}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Anthony W. Potts (2).jpg | officeholder = [Anthony W. Potts](/source/Anthony_W._Potts) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 5 January 2017{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/180323/potts_becomes_nssc_senior_commander | title=Potts becomes NSSC senior commander | website=www.army.mil | date=5 January 2017 }} | term_end = 5 January 2018{{cite web | url=https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/bulletin-tab/2018/01/06/command-performance/16369768007/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406235818/https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/bulletin-tab/2018/01/06/command-performance/16369768007/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=2025-04-06 | title=Command performance – Natick Soldier Systems Center new general excited to lead | website=wickedlocal.com }} | timeinoffice = {{ayd|5 January 2017|5 January 2018}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = Vincent F. Malone II.jpg | officeholder = [Vincent F. Malone II](/source/Vincent_F._Malone_II) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 5 January 2018{{cite web | url=https://www.ausa.org/people/bg-vincent-f-malone | title=BG Vincent F. Malone | website=www.ausa.org | date=20 February 2018 }} | term_end = ~May 2020{{Cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/233357/natick_soldier_systems_center_hosts_opening_ceremony | title=Natick Soldier Systems Center hosts opening ceremony | website=www.army.mil | date=3 March 2020 }} | timeinoffice = ~{{ayd|5 January 2018|1 May 2020}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = James P. Bienlien (2).jpg | officeholder = [James P. Bienlien](/source/James_P._Bienlien) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = May 2020{{Cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/247441/natick_soldier_systems_center_welcomes_new_senior_commander | title=Natick Soldier Systems Center welcomes new senior commander | website=www.army.mil | date=11 June 2021 }} | term_end = 8 June 2021{{Cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/247477/afcs_lt_gen_todd_returns_to_natick_to_host_change_of_command_ceremony_and_see_devcom_soldier_center_technologies | title=AFC's Lt. Gen. Todd returns to Natick to host change of command ceremony and see DEVCOM Soldier Center technologies | website=www.army.mil | date=14 June 2021 }} | timeinoffice = ~{{ayd|1 May 2020|8 June 2021}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = David C. Trybula.jpg | officeholder = [David C. Trybula](/source/David_C._Trybula) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 8 June 2021{{Cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/247441/natick_soldier_systems_center_welcomes_new_senior_commander | title=Natick Soldier Systems Center welcomes new senior commander | website=www.army.mil | date=11 June 2021 }} | term_end = 31 July 2024 | timeinoffice = {{ayd|8 June 2021|31 July 2024}} }} {{Officeholder table | order = - | military_rank = Brigadier General | image = US_Army_BG_George_C._Hackler(.png).jpg | officeholder = [George C. Hackler](/source/George_C._Hackler) | born_year = | died_year = | term_start = 31 July 2024{{Cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/278206/natick_soldier_systems_center_to_conduct_change_of_command | title=Natick Soldier Systems Center to conduct Change of Command | website=www.army.mil | date=20 July 2024 }} | term_end | timeinoffice = {{ayd|31 July 2024}} }} |} ==Products and systems== Natick Labs has developed or is developing the following items or systems: *[Meal, Ready-to-Eat](/source/Meal%2C_Ready-to-Eat) *[Unitized Group Ration](/source/Unitized_Group_Ration) *[Irradiated food](/source/Food_irradiation){{cite web |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-25-lv-natick25-story.html |title = The Army's Mad Lab |date = Aug 25, 2002 |author = Roy Rivenburg |work = Los Angeles Times |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101206041537/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/aug/25/news/lv-natick25 |archive-date = 2010-12-06 }} *The "instant chapel" *Bulletproof clothing *[MOLLE](/source/MOLLE) load-carriage equipment *[Land Warrior](/source/Land_Warrior) *[Future Soldier](/source/Future_Soldier) *[Future Force Warrior](/source/Future_Force_Warrior) *[Collective Protection Shelters](/source/Collective_protection) *[Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops](/source/Personnel_Armor_System_for_Ground_Troops) *[Interceptor Body Armor](/source/Interceptor_Body_Armor) *Quarpel, a water-repellent, water and stain resistant textile treatment{{cite web |url = http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2006/06-15.htm |title = Technology transfer highlights through the years at the Natick Soldier Center |access-date = 2009-09-08 |publisher = United States Army Soldier Systems Center |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090919011800/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2006/06-15.htm |archive-date = 2009-09-19 }} == See also == *[PEO Soldier](/source/PEO_Soldier), program executive office *[Engineer Research and Development Laboratories](/source/Engineer_Research_and_Development_Laboratories) (1947–67), a predecessor and coexisting U.S. Army laboratory *[List of military installations in Massachusetts](/source/List_of_military_installations_in_Massachusetts) *[Armed Forces Recipe Service](/source/Armed_Forces_Recipe_Service) (maintained by Natick Labs until 2009) ==References== {{reflist}} *Earls, Alan R., (2005) ''U.S. Army Natick Laboratories: The Science Behind the Soldier'' (Series: Images of America), Arcadia Publishing. ==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20081011031006/http://peosoldier.army.mil/ Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20060930065721/http://www.natick.army.mil/ Official SSC Website] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20100415211612/http://www.natick.army.mil/garrison/ Official Garrison Website] *{{HAER |survey=MA-52 |id=ma1292 |title=Natick Research & Development Laboratories, U.S. Army Natick Research, Development & Engineering Center, Natick, Middlesex County, MA |data=38}} *{{HAER |survey=MA-52-A |id=ma1627 |title=Natick Research & Development Laboratories, Climatic Chambers Building |photos=25 |data=28 |cap=3 |link=no}} {{MAMilitary}} {{United States research agencies}} {{Authority control}} Category:Research installations of the United States Army Category:Buildings and structures in Middlesex County, Massachusetts Category:Historic American Engineering Record in Massachusetts Army, Soldier Systems Center Category:Natick, Massachusetts Category:Installations of the United States Army in Massachusetts Category:1952 establishments in Massachusetts --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command_Soldier_Center) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Capabilities_Development_Command_Soldier_Center?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.