NATICK, Mass. -- The illustrious history of the Massachusetts State House met the innovative future of Soldier capabilities during Soldier Technology Day on June 19.
Soldier Technology Day was hosted by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or CCDC SC, and sponsored by Karen E. Spilka, president of the Massachusetts State Senate, Becca Bausch, Massachusetts state senator, and David Linsky, state representative. The event, which was held at the Massachusetts State House, was attended by several state senators and representatives, members of the media, and the public.
CCDC SC is dedicated to using science and technology to ensure America's warfighters are optimized, protected, and lethal. CCDC SC supports all of the Army's Modernization efforts, with the Soldier Lethality and Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Teams being the CCDC SC's chief areas of focus. The center's science and engineering expertise are combined with collaborations with industry, DOD, and academia to advance Soldier and squad performance. The center supports the Army as it transforms from being adaptive to driving innovation to support a Multi-Domain Operations Capable Force of 2028 and a MDO Ready Force of 2035. CCDC SC is constantly working to strengthen Soldiers' performance to increase readiness and support for warfighters who are organized, trained, and equipped for prompt and sustainable ground combat.
During the event on Beacon Hill, CCDC SC's displays highlighted the very latest technologies and items for the Soldier, including the Close Combat Assault Ration and other innovations in combat rations, exoskeleton technology, the CCDC Soldier Center's ongoing cognitive science research with Tufts University, virtual reality tools, force sustainment systems, LiFi (light fidelity) data transfer technology, the Integrated Eye and Ear Protection system, Aerial resupply advances, Soldier readiness and performance solutions, Future Soldier protection technologies, and the latest in latest in helmets, boots, and protective gear.
Attendees also learned about the development of the Soldier Squad Performance Research Institute, or S2PRINT, a state-of-the-art research facility being built at the Natick Soldier Systems Center. The S2PRINT effort is led by CCDC SC and the U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, or USARIEM.
In addition to learning about numerous technologies for the Soldier, attendees also had the chance to obtain information about doing business with CCDC SC through the Small Business Innovation Research Agreement and the Small Business Technology Transfer Agreement.
Spilka said that CCDC SC "exemplifies everything that is great about innovation in Massachusetts." She noted the ongoing importance of the relationships between the U.S. Army, the state of Massachusetts, and academia.
Brig. Gen. Vincent Malone, deputy commanding general of CCDC and senior commander of the Natick Soldier Systems Center, echoed Spilka's sentiment.
"The Army is at its best when it works and fights as one team, and Massachusetts is on that team," said Malone.
Douglas Tamilio, director of CCDC SC and host of the event, said that he was proud of the capabilities being developed by CCDC SC scientists and engineers and of the many partnerships the organization has with academia. He also said that he appreciated the good will of the people of Massachusetts.
In addition to the cutting-edge work being performed by CCDC SC, the event also showcased innovative technologies and items from USARIEM, PEO Soldier, the Simulation and Training Technology Center -- Orlando (part of CCDC SC), and Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems.
Frank Murphy, an engineer working in CCDC SC's Expeditionary Maneuver Support Directorate, has been investigating the use of LiFi wireless communications in a tactical environment. CCDC SC's investigation of LiFi was one of the many projects showcased during Soldier Technology Day.
"The event at the State House illustrated to me the incredible level of support the CCDC Soldier Center receives from our local and state leadership, and how deeply those leaders care about our Soldiers," said Murphy.
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