NATICK, Mass. – Private Jose Rosales always wanted to be a Soldier. The 26-year-old Soldier is currently a Human Research Volunteer, or HRV, at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or DEVCOM SC.
“I always wanted to join the military,” said Rosales. “I used to watch all these movies, like ‘Saving Private Ryan.’ I just thought they were the bravest people.”
HRVs play an important role in the research, development, and testing of Soldier equipment, clothing, and combat rations. HRVs also help researchers garner a better understanding of human performance. Soldier feedback drives all research and development at DEVCOM SC.
During their 90- to 120-day temporary duty period at DEVCOM SC, HRVs participate in a wide variety of studies, including protective clothing and equipment testing, cold-weather/hot-weather clothing and equipment testing, physical performance testing, nutrition studies and sleep studies — to name just a few research areas.
“The Army’s commitment to prioritizing people guides everything we do,” said Douglas Tamilio, director of DEVCOM SC. “Part of our commitment to people means that the Soldier is at the center of everything we do, and that Soldier studies and Soldier feedback drive all scientific and technological innovation. HRVs play an all-important role in our efforts and make an invaluable contribution to future Soldiers and to our nation.”
Rosales is proud that his participation in Soldier studies will help scientists and engineers better meet the equipment and performance needs of future Soldiers.
“At first, I almost didn’t feel worthy to help, but my sergeant told me that any research we take part in goes a long way,” said Rosales. “It’s going to help people who join the Army in the future. It gives me drive to know that people joining the military down the line are going to have better equipment.”
He is clearly achieving his dream to serve in the military. Rosales is also working on his dream of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen and has submitted his paperwork. He was a young child when he first came to this country from the city of Uruapan in the state of Michoacán, Mexico.
His family is very proud of the path he has chosen.
“The first time my mom saw me in uniform, she really glowed and smiled,” said Rosales. “She said, ‘Wow, look at my boy. I am so proud of you. I’m supporting you 100 percent of the way.’”
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About DEVCOM Soldier Center: The DEVCOM Soldier Center is committed to discovering, developing, and advancing science and technology solutions that ensure America’s warfighters are optimized, protected, and lethal. DEVCOM Soldier Center supports all of the Army's Modernization efforts, with the Soldier Lethality and Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Teams being the DEVCOM Soldier Center’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. DEVCOM Soldier Center 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.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) outreach and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers are also an important part of the mission of DEVCOM Soldier Center. The mentoring of students by Army scientists and engineers benefits the students and their communities. It also increases young people's awareness of potential Army job opportunities and helps provide the Army with potential new talent, helping to fuel innovative ideas that benefit the nation's warfighters and the nation as a whole.
DEVCOM Soldier Center is part of DEVCOM. Through collaboration across the command's core technical competencies, DEVCOM leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make Soldiers more lethal to win our nation's wars and come home safely. DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command.
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