View source for Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center

{{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<ref>{{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}}</ref>
| command_structure             = [[File:US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command DUI.png|14px]] [[U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command]]
| garrison                      = [[Natick, Massachusetts]] <!-- Commanders -->
| 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         = [[File:PDF_NSRDEC_logo.png|150px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = NSRDEC logo (2007)
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:PDFNSRDEClogoM4.png|150px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = NSRDEC logo (2014)
}}
The '''U.S. Army''' '''Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center''' (sometimes shortened to '''DEVCOM Soldier Center''', '''DEVCOM SC''', or '''CCDC SC''') is a military laboratory in [[Natick, Massachusetts]], charged by the [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]] with the research and development (including fielding and sustainment) of food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and other servicemember support items for the U.S. military.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200714210945/https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/#/ CCDC Soldier Center official website]</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> It is a component unit of the [[U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command]] (DEVCOM) and a tenant unit of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC), formerly U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (SSC).<ref>[https://www.army.mil/natick/ U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center official website]</ref>
==The installation==
{{Infobox military installation
| name          = Natick Soldier Systems Center
| partof        = 
| location      = [[Natick, 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  = [[File:United States Army Installation Management Command Distinctive Unit Crest.jpg|14px]] [[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 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]
}}

NSSC occupies {{convert|78|acre|m2}} at its main Natick campus and has an additional {{convert|46|acre|m2}} in neighboring communities. The main campus is located to the northwest of Natick center and abuts upon [[Lake Cochituate]].<ref name=":3">{{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 comprised 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.}}</ref> 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]] Area.

Employee/tenant numbers total 1,957 (159 military personnel, 1,048 civilians and 750 contractors).<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

The SSC public relations office reported that the installation’s FY2006 funding totaled approximately $1 billion and that the facilities infuse more than $135 million annually into the local economy through installation salaries, utilities, and local contracts.<ref>{{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)}}</ref><ref>{{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)}}</ref>

The installation commander is a U.S. Army [[Brigadier General]], currently BG George Hackler, who also serves as the Deputy Commanding General of the [[U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command]].<ref>{{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]] (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.}}</ref>

== Organization and naming ==
NSSC is commonly known as Natick Laboratories, although this designation more properly refers to one of its tenant units, the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center. DEVCOM SC was formerly the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC). [[United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command|DEVCOM]] is subordinate to [[U.S. Army Futures Command]] (AFC) headquartered in Austin, Texas, which was activated in July 2018. Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) was formerly Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]].

==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]] and [[freeze-drying]] techniques. Improved [[body armor]], new [[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|Soldier Systems Center Natick on [[Lake Cochituate]], ca. 1960]]Construction of the Quartermaster Research Laboratory<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Earls |first=Alan R. |title=U.S. Army Natick Laboratories: The Science Behind the Soldier |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing|Arcadia]] |year=2005 |isbn=9780738537290 |pages=6–7, 9–10 |language=en |quote=The ceremonial laying of a cornerstone for the Natick facility happened on May 30, 1953, with Speaker Joseph W. Martin Jr., Sen. Leverett Saltonstall, Sen. John F. Kennedy, and others in attendance."; "Soldier Systems Center Timeline (_enter_); October 1949 – Construction of Quartermaster Research Laboratory authorized by Congress. (_enter_); April 1952 – Groundbreaking ceremonies. (_enter_); November 1952 – Construction started. (_enter_); May 1953 – Cornerstone-laying ceremonies held. (_enter_); October 1953 – Quartermaster Research Laboratory renamed [to] Quartermaster Research and Development Center, [and] established as [a] Quartemaster II installation. (_enter_); October 1953 – Quartermaster Research and Development Command established with headquarters at Quartermaster Reseach and Development Center, Natick. (_enter_); October 1954 – Dedication held. (_enter_); January 1957 – Quartermaster Research and Development Center Redesignated Quartermaster Research and Engineering Command.}}</ref> at Natick, MA, was authorized by [[United States Congress|Congress]] in October 1949, and began in November 1952. The ceremonial [[Cornerstone#Contemporary usage|laying of a cornerstone]] for the Natick facility happened on 30 May 1953, with Speaker [[Joseph W. Martin Jr.]], Sen. [[Leverett Saltonstall]], Sen. [[John F. Kennedy]], and others in attendance.<ref name=":4" /> In October 1953, the QRL was redesignated as the Quartermaster Research and Development Center, and designated a [[United States Army Quartermaster Corps|Quartermaster]] Class II installation. At the same time, the Quartermaster Research and Development Command was established at Natick, MA. The center was operable by summer 1954.<ref name=":3" /> Later, the center was redesignated as Quartermaster Research and Engineering Command in January 1957.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0">{{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)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=[[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=live |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}}</ref>

July 1961 saw the activation of the [[U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine]] (USARIEM) at Natick and a year later the QREC was placed under the [[U.S. Army Materiel Command]] (AMC). In November 1962, the QREC was redesignated as Natick Laboratories and the following year the [[Food and Container Institute]] moved to Natick. July 1967 saw the [[Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility]] (NCTRF)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) webpage |url=http://www.navy-nex.com/command/nctrf/nctrf-index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030415211411/http://www.navy-nex.com/command/nctrf/nctrf-index.html |archive-date=15 April 2003 |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=navy-nex.com}}</ref> relocate to Natick.<ref name=":0" />

Natick Laboratories became a subordinate element to the [[Troop Support Command]] (TROSCOM) in July 1973 and was redesignated two years later as the U.S. Army Natick Development Center and reassigned to the AMC. The NDC was redesignated the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Command (NARADCOM) in January 1976 and assigned to the U.S. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command (DARCOM) (aka AMC, which was redesignated the [[U.S. Army Materiel Development and Readiness Command]] (DARCOM) that same month).<ref name=":0" />

In September 1980, NARADCOM was redesignated as the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Laboratories, and three years later, in October 1983, as the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Center, a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Troop Support Command (TROSCOM) in St. Louis, Missouri. (Elements of DARCOM and TROSCOM merged in July 1992 forging the [[U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command]] (ATCOM), St. Louis, Mo.)<ref name=":0" />

In 1982, Natick Labs surrendered control of 3,100 acres in the Massachusetts towns of Hudson, Maynard, Stow and Sudbury to [[Fort Devens]] to become a field training facility. The land had been an ordnance supply depot during World War II. After being an [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] "superfund" cleanup site in the 1990s, it became the [[Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name=":4" />

In October 1992, the NRDC was redesignated the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center (NRDEC),<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998 |orig-date=published before 20 April 1998; claimed "11 August 1997" |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}}</ref> still a subordinate element of [[U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command|ATCOM]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref>

A U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command (SSCOM)<ref name=":1" /> was activated at Natick in November 1994. Elements subsequently established at the SSCOM included the Sustainment & Readiness Directorate (February 1995) and Product Manager-Soldier Support (October 1995); elements subsequently relocated to Natick included the Clothing and Services Office (October 1996; from Ft. Lee, Virginia) and Product Manager-[[Force Provider]] (June 1997). The Sustainment & Readiness Directorate became the Integrated Material Management Center in October 1997.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{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.}}</ref>

SSCOM merged with the [[United States Army Chemical Biological Defense Command|Chemical Biological Defense Command]] (CBDCOM)<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998 |title=CBDCOM/SBCCOM Annual Command History FY98 |url=http://www.sbccom.army.mil/hooah/pubs/cbdcom98.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030430115552/http://www.sbccom.army.mil/hooah/pubs/cbdcom98.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2003 |access-date=27 March 2025}}</ref> to become the [[United States Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command|Soldier and Biological Chemical Command]] (SBCCOM) in October 1998.<ref name=":2" /> At this time the installation was renamed to Soldier Systems Center (SSC).<ref name=":0" /> At some time prior to January 2017, the installation was renamed Soldier Systems Center Natick (SSC).<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/NatickSSC/videos/10158012615855246/ Video on Soldier Systems Center Natick official Facebook site]</ref>

Sometime in the 1990s, NRDEC was redesignated as U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center (NSC),<ref>{{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.}}</ref> being redesignated later as U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in the late 2000s.<ref>{{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=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.}}</ref> On 3 February 2019, NSRDEC became U.S. Army CCDC Soldier Center (of [[Combat Capabilities Development Command]]).<ref name="CCDCSC12">{{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.}}</ref> Sometime afterward, the acronym gradually transitioned from CCDC Soldier Center to U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Homepage {{!}} DEVCOM SC |url=https://sc.devcom.army.mil/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003161454/https://sc.devcom.army.mil/ |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=31 May 2025 |website=sc.devcom.army.mil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center {{!}} LinkedIn Company Profile |url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army-devcom-soldier-center |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409225037/https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army-devcom-soldier-center |archive-date=9 April 2025 |access-date=31 May 2025 |website=www.linkedin.com |quote=The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center is located at the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) in Natick, Massachusetts, under U.S. Army DEVCOM and Army Futures Command. Our Mission is to provide the Army with innovative science and technology solutions to optimize the performance of our Soldiers. We ensure dominance through superior scientific and engineering expertise. (___enter___); This includes improving the Warrior's survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and quality of life by treating the Warfighter as a System. The DEVCOM Soldier Center's focus areas include: Airdrop/Aerial Delivery, Clothing & Protective Equipment, Human Systems Integration Sciences, Expeditionary Maneuver, Simulation & Training and Joint Service Combat Feeding. (___enter___); To learn more about what the DEVCOM Soldier Center does or to partner with us please view  - https://sc.devcom.army.mil/ (___enter___); Disclaimer Text: (___enter___); This Company Profile Page is the official professional networking entity for the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center. Views expressed by employees do not represent the views of DEVCOM Soldier Center, NSSC, DEVCOM, AFC, U.S. Army, or the U.S. Department of Defense.  For more information on the DoD Social Media User Agreement please view this link http://www.defense.gov/socialmedia/user-agreement.aspx}}</ref>

==Tenant units and facilities==
[[File:PDN Auto-level, AKVIS HC-N, Shrpns40 HC-N, PDN Framecrop - Aerial photograph of U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Laboratories Color Film Negative NSSC Photo Collection (ca. 1970–1993) 007871 image primary(.png).jpg|thumb|Soldier Systems Center Natick view, facing south-east|305x305px]]NSSC hosts several tenant units and facilities. The following lists detail them.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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.}}</ref>

List of research and development commands, centers, offices and elements:

* U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center (Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, abbreviated as DEVCOM SC), formerly NSRDEC,<ref name="CCDCSC12" /> an element of the [[United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command|U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command]] (DEVCOM) at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]], Maryland
* [[United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine|U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine]] (ARIEM), a subordinate lab of the [[United States Army Medical Research and Material Command|U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command]] (MRDC), headquartered at [[Fort Detrick]], Maryland
* [[United States Army Installation Management Command|U.S. Army Installation Management Command]] (IMCOM){{Clarify|date=July 2025}}
* [[United States Army Integrated Logistics and Support Center|U.S. Army Integrated Logistics and Support Center]] (ILSC)
* [[United States Coast Guard Clothing Design and Technical Office|U.S. Coast Guard Clothing Design and Technical Office]] (CDTO)
* [[United States Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility|U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility]] (NCTRF)
* Elements of PM-Soldier Equipment (part of [[PEO Soldier]], with its main facilities located at [[Fort Belvoir]], Virginia)
* [[United States Army Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems|U.S. Army Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems]] (PM FSS)
* [[United States Army RDECOM Acquisition Center - Natick|U.S. Army RDECOM Acquisition Center - Natick]], the Natick Contracting Division of RDECOM AC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland{{Update inline|date=July 2025}}
Additional services:
* An office of the [[General Services Administration]] (GSA)
* An office of the Hanscom Federal Credit Union
* An office of the [[United States Health Services Command]]
* An office of the [[Defense Automated Printing Service]]
* An office of the [[U.S. Army Audit Agency]]

List of facilities and laboratories:

* The [[Doriot Climatic Chambers|Doriot Climatic Chamber Complex]]
* [[Combat Rations Production and Packaging Facility]]
* [[3-D Anthropometrics Laboratory]]
* [[Camouflage Evaluation Facility]]
* [[Rain Court]]
* [[Hydro-Environmental Chamber]]
* Shade Room
* [[Fiber Plant]]
* [[Thermal and Flame Laboratory]]
* [[Military Operations in Urban Terrain|Military Operations in Urban Environment]] (MOUT) Lab/Facility

== List of commanding generals ==
{{Incomplete list|date=April 2025}}<!-- ATTN! To insert more, edit w/ source mode. Using visual editor will break the formatting. -->
{| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = November 1994<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = May 1996<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = June/July 2000<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 6 August 2001<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 6 August 2001<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 9 July 2002<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|6 August 2001|9 July 2002}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = 
| officeholder      = [[Craig A. Peterson]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 9 July 2002<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 10 October 2003<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|9 July 2002|10 October 2003}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Colonel
| image             = 
| officeholder      = [[David J. Bongi]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 10 October 2003<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 7 July 2004<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|10 October 2003|7 July 2004}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = 
| officeholder      = [[James R. Moran]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 7 July 2004<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 25 July 2006<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 21 November 2008<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 21 November 2008<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 27 August 2009<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|21 November 2008|27 August 2009}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = Harold J. Greene.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Harold J. Greene]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 27 August 2009<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 10 May 2011<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|27 August 2009|10 May 2011}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = John J. McGuiness.jpg
| officeholder      = [[John J. McGuiness]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 10 May 2011<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 5 December 2013<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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 (brigadier general)|William E. Cole]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 December 2013<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 24 November 2015<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 24 November 2015<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 5 January 2017<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 January 2017<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 5 January 2018<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 January 2018<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = ~May 2020<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = May 2020<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| term_end          = 8 June 2021<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 May 2020|8 June 2021}}
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Brigadier General
| image             = David C. Trybula.jpg
| officeholder      = [[David C. Trybula]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 8 June 2021<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 31 July 2024<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
| 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]]
*[[Unitized Group Ration]]
*[[Food irradiation|Irradiated food]]<ref name="madlab">{{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
}}</ref>
*The "instant chapel"<ref name=madlab />
*Bulletproof clothing<ref name=madlab />
*[[MOLLE]] Load-carriage Equipment
*[[Land Warrior]]
*[[Future Soldier]]
*[[Future Force Warrior]]
*[[Collective protection|Collective Protection Shelters]]
*[[Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops]]
*[[Interceptor Body Armor]]
*Quarpel, a water-repellent, water and stain resistant textile treatment<ref>{{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
}}</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Engineer Research and Development Laboratory|Engineer Research and Development Laboratory (ERDL)]], prior and coexisting U.S. Army laboratory
*[[PEO Soldier]], program executive office
*[[List of military installations in Massachusetts]]
*[[Armed Forces Recipe Service]] (maintained by Natick Labs until 2009)
*[[Close quarters combat]]
*[[Close combat]]
*[[Small unit tactics]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
*Earls, Alan R., (2005) ''U.S. Army Natick Laboratories: The Science Behind the Soldier'' (Series: Images of America), Arcadia Publishing.
''This article contains information that originally came from US Government publications and websites and is in the public domain.''

==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]]
[[Category:Military medical organizations of the United States|Army, Soldier Systems Center]]
[[Category:Natick, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Installations of the United States Army in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:1952 establishments in Massachusetts]]