Welcome to Natick Soldier Systems Center!
Mission:
The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) is a Department of Defense (DoD) installation with the mission to protect and sustain America's military forces. NSSC is responsible for the technology, research, development, engineering, fielding, and sustainment of our military's food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and Soldier support items. NSSC also has the lead for Soldier integration for the U.S. Army. It remains the only Active Army installation east of the Hudson River.
NSSC is located in Natick, Massachusetts, a western suburb approximately 18 miles from downtown Boston. The installation is situated on a compact seventy-eight acre campus. Limited government housing is offered at a reasonable cost when available. At NSSC, you will work near Boston, a metropolitan area that offers plenty of sports and entertainment. Boston is home to the famed Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. It is also home to the world famous Boston Pops Orchestra and many Revolutionary War battlefields. Also, less than 3 miles away is the Natick Collection, the largest mall in New England and a world-class destination with over 200 of the finest retail stores and restaurants.
Critical Installation Information:
Since the installation is small, it does not have the typical range of support services found on larger installations. For example, there is no school and no Child Development Center (day care) on the installation. The nearest commissary is twenty miles away at Hanscom Air Force Base. However, the installation is situated in a beautiful, is served by some of the best public schools in the country, and is next door to Boston, one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the nation.
Temporary Lodging:
Natick Soldiers Systems Center (NSSC) is a small installation with no Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF). However, Hanscom Air Force Base (HAFB) is approximately 20 miles away in Bedford, MA. They have a TLF which many use (781-225-4444), especially if accompanied by family, and also offer military family housing.
There are also many hotels in the Natick/nearby Framingham area. It is recommended you call prospective area hotels to ensure they accept the current military per diem rate. Per diem rates can be found at: GSA Per-Diem Rates. Those hotels in Natick, or anywhere off Route 9, will be handy to post and some allow pets. Please also view the following link regarding state tax exemption for hotels while in official travel status: State Tax Exemption Information. If you have been assigned a sponsor, be sure to contact him or her for other helpful hints.
Base Housing:
Military family housing is available at USAG Natick through Cadence Communities LLC. There are 28 units, 20 are four-bed townhomes, 2 three-bedroom homes, including 1 ADA home (duplexes) and, 2 four-bedroom homes (duplexes). The Housing office at NSSC can be reached at (508) 206 - 4140. Contact with the housing office should be made as soon as orders are received since availability is variable. USAG Natick Housing Newcomers Checklist
All single permanent party Soldiers without dependents, E-5 and below, will reside in the barracks. Rooms are fully furnished with kitchenette and bathrooms. The laundry facility is free of charge and located on the first floor. The barracks are conveniently located across from the fitness center and steps away from the post fitness trail by beautiful Lake Cochituate.
Nearby Installations:
Hanscom Air Force Base is located 20 miles north of the installation. It has a wide range of services including a Medical Treatment Clinic, Commissary, Post Exchange/Base Exchange, and a full range of MWR services. NSSC personnel are welcomed at Hanscom to use their services.
Fort Devens is located 28 miles from the installation. It is an Army Reserve installation with limited services available to NSSC personnel such as ID Card Office, Army Reserve Education Center, and AAFES Clothing and Sales for Army uniforms.
Army Community Service:
Army Community Service (ACS) offers a range of services to assist the newcomer before, during and after PCS. A Lending Closet with kitchen and baby items is available, as well as information on health care, child care, the local area and more. Regarding child care, costs in New England can be quite high and there is no Child Development Center on-post. However, you may qualify for a reduced cost for off-post child care through the Army Fee Assistance program at usa.childcareaware.org. Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members (EFMs) should also contact ACS early in their PCS to register their EFM/s. Contact the at 508-206-4026, DSN 312.256.4485, or email usarmy.natick.imcom.list.nati-acs@mail.mil. Once here, please visit us in Building 1, Room A-122.
Sponsorship:
The sponsorship program is a great way to gather information about your new location and to gain answers to questions regarding your move. Soldiers and Department of Defense Civilians are eligible to be assigned a sponsor after receipt of orders and prior to their arrival at Natick Soldier Systems Center. During PCS, a temporary duty address or your billeting address can be set up to receive your personal mail until you establish permanent quarters.
To inquire about a sponsor, military personnel should contact their unit Sponsorship NCO directly. Civilian employees should complete DA Form 5434 to request a sponsor and e-mail it to our Sponsorship Liaison. For the current e-mail address, contact the Directorate of Human Resources at 508-206-2493. Incoming civilians may also contact CPAC directly at 508-206-2500.