Making the move from Natick to the Pentagon

By John Harlow USAG-Natick Public AffairsApril 11, 2018

Saying good-bye to Natick
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Hal Griffin III has been selected to be the seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) and the Senior Warrant Officer Advisor to the Chief of the Army Reserve.

For the past 10 years, Griffin has also served as a Department of the Army civilian at the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) with the Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC).

In his new position, he is responsible for developing and synchronizing warrant officer related policy initiatives and advising the USARC Commander and staff on the life cycle of warrant officer talent management that includes force modernization, recruiting, training, utilization, education, and career enhancement - with the focus on growing the future force.

Griffin reflected on his time at Natick serving with ILSC and the balance between his duties as a DA civilian and as an Army reservist.

"It's tough balancing the two different jobs and you can add in a third one, a well-balanced life with my family," said Griffin. "What makes it work is a great relationship with my boss here at ILSC. The only reason I can step up to the new position with the Army Reserve is because of the leadership I have had here at Natick."

"I've deployed twice during my time here at Natick and at times it limited what I could do as a civilian," said Griffin. "There was always the possibility that I could deploy so that limited what I could do at ILSC. It was a huge tradeoff trying to balance work as a civilian and being a reservist."

As a DA Civilian, Griffith used his role as a logistician to ensure the development of equipment that went to Soldiers was what they needed.

"When equipment is in development, a logistician is required by DoD regulations to be involved from the very beginning," said Griffin. "Logisticians help the engineers make sure it is most practical for Soldiers to use."

Griffin enlisted in the Army in 1985 and became a warrant officer in 1990, graduating flight school with honors at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

While serving in the reserves had challenges for Griffin at Natick, it was also vital to the job he did.

"My time in uniform hugely complimented my work here," said Griffin. "Having a perspective that helps orient people who are doing research and development so they understand what a Soldier needs to have is important," said Griffin. "We get the feedback from Soldiers in forums, but having someone on hand while equipment is being developed is vital to stopping problems before they happen."

Griffin deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013.

Driving through the gate each morning, Griffin is reminded of what NSSC and ILSC is all about.

"If there is one thing I take away from my time at Natick it is that Soldiers are our credentials," said Griffin, referring to the statue everyone passes as they drive onto Natick. 'I have been a beneficiary of the work performed here at Natick during my 31 years as a Soldier."

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