Soldiers magazine features Natick

By Bob Reinert/USAG-Natick Public AffairsAugust 25, 2011

Soldiers magazine features Natick
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

At times in the past, it had kept a rather low profile, but the Natick Soldier Systems Center will experience a coming-out party of sorts in October.

That's when Soldiers magazine, in its final print edition before it becomes an entirely online publication, will feature the important work done for service members at NSSC. Soldiers, the official U.S. Army magazine, began in 1946 as the Army Information Digest.

"It is our privilege to feature content highlighting the cutting-edge work done at Natick Soldier Systems Center to support Soldiers across the globe," said Carrie McLeroy, Soldiers editor. "Partnering with Natick on our final print issue has given us the opportunity to share with our readers how the professionals at Natick research, develop, field and manage virtually every piece of equipment at a Soldier's disposal.

"I can't think of a better way to continue our evolution as a magazine than by highlighting the ever-evolving support at NSSC."

The October issue, "Natick equips the Army," will include an NSSC overview, along with stories about the Doriot Climatic Chambers; Force Provider; Joint Precision Air Drop Systems, Department of Defense Combat Feeding Directorate; "Ironman" ammunition system; Operational Forces Interface Group and Consumer Research Team; Human Research Volunteer Program; altitude/heat research at U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine; the uniform, top to bottom; National Protection Center; NSSC's relationships with colleges and universities; and equipment reset.

The stories highlight not only how researchers and scientists work to improve what Soldiers will wear, use and eat in the future, but how the Natick staff collaborate to react quickly to the current needs of service members in theater and first responders at home.

Producing the magazine required a five-month cooperative effort by personnel across the installation, resulting in text, photographs and graphics that provide a fresh look at some of what happens daily on the vibrant 78-acre campus in Natick, Mass.

"We're excited to showcase the work that Natick does for Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen," said John Harlow, NSSC chief of public affairs. "Everything we do here revolves around making their jobs easier to accomplish."