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NATICK, Mass. (Jan. 30, 2014) -- The commanding general of the
U.S. Army Materiel Command visited Natick Soldier Systems Center to
learn more about what is done on the installation to support
America's warfighters.
Gen. Dennis L. Via received briefings
and witnessed demonstrations about Soldier systems engineering
architecture, female body armor, the Improved Outer Tactical Vest,
the Doriot Climatic Chambers, the Physical Demands Study, Product
Manager Force Sustainment Systems, aerial delivery, Soldier
power-wireless transmission, multi-functional fibers, vision
protection and nutrition.
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Dennis L. Via, Army Materiel Command commander, visited Natick Soldier Systems Center, Mass., Jan. 30, 2014, to learn more about the important work done there for warfighters.
(U.S. Army photo by David Kamm, NSRDEC)
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"Everything that we do to sustain the Soldier, and
improve the performance of that Soldier, and protect that
Soldier, and provide for quality of life is being done
here," Via said. "So it's been a phenomenal visit."
Via pointed to the Soldiers who come to Natick fresh out of
Advanced Individual Training to spend 90 days as human
research volunteers in experiments, before moving on to the
initial assignments of their Army careers.
"I think
that was a highlight," Via said. "I'm extremely impressed
with the Soldiers."
Among the many technologies that
stood out, Via mentioned "advancements in power and being
able to lighten the load of what our Soldiers are carrying
today -- some of the wireless capabilities that are being
built. I think that was just absolutely phenomenal."
He added that he enjoyed speaking with scientists and
engineers about "how they're researching those leap-ahead
technologies for our Army -- very important work, across the
board."
Via called Natick's work critical to AMC's
mission of supporting the warfighter, today and tomorrow.
"We have to invest in research and development and
science and technology to continue to make sure that our
Army and our forces have that technological advantage that
we helped build over the past decade-plus of war," Via said.
"We want to continue to maintain that ahead of any potential
adversary in the future."
No stranger to
Massachusetts, Via earned his master's degree from Boston
University. He said that he appreciates the importance of
Natick Soldier Systems Center's proximity to some of the
nation's finest colleges, universities and technology
companies.
"I think it's critically important to
continue to attract bright men and women, both those who
want to join and serve our Army, (and) also those who want
to join and support our Army as Department of the Army
civilians," Via said. "This is an area very rich in being
able to provide personnel who have those types of degrees
(and) experience that can help us achieve our goals."
Via said he looked forward to seeing what Natick would
produce in the future.
"It's a critical capability
for our Army," said Via, "and it's a critical capability for
our nation."
By Bob Reinert, USAG-Natick Public Affairs
Army News Service
Copyright 2014
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