Opportunity: Testing and evaluation of fabrics and garments for improved Soldier Performance in austere environments

Opportunity Number:

DEVCOMSC-019

Opportunity Location:

Natick, MA

Opportunity Description:

This project will focus on evaluating commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) fibers and fabrics that display multifunctionality and weather protection in austere environments. The student intern will assist in the testing and evaluation of different properties of the fabric, including moisture management, vector protection, FR protection, thermal insulation and heat retention. The results of the evaluation will serve established the properties needed for the development of improved fabrics and garments for the warfighter.

Opportunity Skill Set:

Material science, mechanical engineering, bioengineering. Prior wet lab experience is desired but not required. Skills: Microsoft Office

Opportunity Host Facility

DEVCOM Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC)

Natick, MA and Orlando, FL

DEVCOM Soldier Center (SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) which was established in the 1950s in Natick, Massachusetts. Known locally as ‘Natick Labs’, it is deeply rooted in the area’s innovative academic and industrial Science & Technology (S&T) communities and is the lead organization for the Army’s Soldier Domain Technology. DEVCOM SC focuses on the Soldier and incorporates the latest innovations to maximize the Warfighter’s combat readiness, survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and field quality of life. Soldier Center is “The Science Behind the Soldier” as diverse groups of scientists and engineers provide the Army with innovative Science and Technology solutions to optimize the performance of our Soldiers. DEVCOM SC maintains and enhances core competencies such as Soldier Performance/Integration, Individual/Collective Protection, Material Science Fiber/Textile, Military Nutrition/Food Service Logistics, Aerial Delivery, and Army Training Technology that are relevant and critical to support the Soldier of today and tomorrow. We leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum effects, autonomy, advanced energetics, and synthetic biology to give Soldiers the ability to see, sense, decide, and act faster than their adversaries. Our Simulation and Training Technology Division located in Orlando, FL continues the mission to develop, mature and transition innovative training and simulation technologies to maximize Soldier effectiveness and Warfighter readiness.

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