NATICK, Mass — Scientists, engineers, textile technologists, clothing designers, retired military equipment specialists and experts in other fields at Natick take Soldiers’ apparel and equipment quite seriously. They work daily to improve their functionality, durability and comfort.
They assist in the design of helmets and body armor, boots and gloves, uniforms and flame-resistant materials. If you can imagine Soldiers wearing it, these professionals are probably trying to improve upon it.
“These are very passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable folks (who are) researching and developing items that our warfighters need to survive, but also will be comfortable wearing,” said Jay Connors, division leader, Warrior Equipment and Systems Division at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC. “They’re dedicated daily to doing that. It’s ingrained in them.
“They are dedicated in this vein because they want to do the right thing by our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. They want our warfighters to have the best stuff.”
Connors is quick to point out that the people at NSRDEC support Program Executive Office Soldier in this quest. “As the life cycle manager, the uniform, from boot to helmet, belongs to PEO Soldier,” Connors said. “(These are) their items.” What NSRDEC does is provide PEO Soldier with the engineers, clothing designers, textile technologists and chemists to support PEO Soldier’s mission of fielding Soldier clothing as well as individual and personal-protective equipment.”
