NATICK SOLDIER SYSTEMS CENTER
ARMY
Natick, MA
United States
NATICK SOLDIER SYSTEMS CENTER
ARMY
Natick, MA
United States
Natick Soldier Systems Center
Base Essentials
Time and space to maneuver saves lives on the modern battlefield. More information, with more time to decide, allows commanders to make quick decisions that protect warfighters and allow them to accomplish their mission. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Chemical and Biological Technologies Department recently held an Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) to test technologies that could arm warfighters with the time and information required to safely and effectively accomplish their mission, despite their operating environment. The Integrated Early Warning (IEW) ATD addressed chem/bio ch...
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
AMC
Status
Active
Est.
1954
Acres
78
Active Duty
—
Civilian
1,500
Population
4,900,000
Economic Impact
—
Natick Soldier Systems Center History
The Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, was established in 1954 and is the Army's primary research and development facility for soldier equipment. The center develops food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and individual soldier equipment. Its Combat Feeding Directorate is famous for developing the MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) and other field rations. Natick continues to innovate in areas including advanced materials, wearable technology, and performance nutrition for soldiers.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center
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Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Natick Soldier Systems Center Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Military News
Perceptive Dragon 2: Honing Integrated Early Warning Capabilities
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Military News
Additive manufacturing holds great potential, Army looks for next step
Read
Military News
Malmstrom AFB PCB Levels Raise Cancer Risk for Missileers
Read
Information
Coast Guard Basic Training: Everything You Need to Know
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Career & Pay
Paychecks Restored: Coast Guard Funded as 76-Day DHS Shutdown Ends
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
The Housing Services Office (HSO) is available at (508) 233-5409 to assist with on-post and local housing options. Army Community Service (ACS) is in Building 1, Room A-122; call (508) 206-4026 for newcomer support and relocation assistance.
There is no Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) on the installation. Hanscom AFB nearby offers temporary lodging options. Contact your sponsor and gaining unit well in advance to coordinate temporary accommodations while you in-process.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Natick Soldier Systems Center.
On-Base Housing
Coming soon
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Natick Soldier Systems Center
155
55% Above National Average
Housing
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See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Natick Soldier Systems Center.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
Elementary Schools
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Middle Schools
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High Schools
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Colleges & Universities
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Popular Neighborhood
Suburban
Families
Short Commute
Neighborhood details coming soon
Nearby Community
Urban
Singles
Nightlife
Neighborhood details coming soon
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Natick Soldier Systems Center.
State Income Tax
Military Pay
Retirement Pay
Vehicle Tax
Vehicle Registration
Coming soon
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Property Tax
Coming soon
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Spouse Income Tax
Coming soon
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Combat Zone
Coming soon
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Pet Policies at Natick Soldier Systems Center
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
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Prohibited Animals
—
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
Coming soon
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Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Commissary
Coming soon
Exchange
Coming soon
Medical
Coming soon
Childcare & Youth
Coming soon
MWR & Recreation
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Natick Soldier Systems Center.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Knowlton Gate (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Natick Soldier Systems Center.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Natick Soldier Systems Center.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.