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.  With the U.S. Army Garrison Natick at its core, NSSC remains the only Active Army installation east of the Hudson River.

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 20 miles away at Hanscom Air Force Base. However, the installation is situated in a beautiful location 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.

Nearby installations include:

• 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 Morale, Welfare and Recreation services. Natick Soldier Systems Center 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 Army and Air Force Exchange Service Clothing and Sales store for Army uniforms.

DSN Overseas Dialing Instructions

When dialing a DSN number to/from military locations overseas, replace the regular area code with the DSN area code. The DSN area code for Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) is 312.  To reach an NSSC number from overseas, dial the DSN area code, (312), then the last seven digits of the phone number.