July 2015 NSSC - Swagger Lume API

Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Andy YoshimuraNSSC NewsArmy scientists test fabric for newwarfighter uniformsBy ECBC Public Affairs / ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 24, 2015)The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is leading an effort to design a new warfighter uniform - with added protection against chemicalwarfare agents.Army scientists are using both standard andnew methods to test fabrics, which will beused in the new suit.The new uniform is designed to decreasethermal burden to the warfighter while maintaining the same or better protection againstchemical agents. Different fabrics may beused in the uniform based on where heat ismore common, like the chest and groin area;but a greater protection factor is needed forplaces where the warfighter is likely to comein contact with agent.The effort is part of a joint U.S. Army andAir Force program called the IntegratedProtective Fabric System program. It is ledby the U.S. Army Natick Soldier ResearchDevelopment and Engineering Center, orNSRDEC, in Natick, Massachusetts, and theU.S. Air Force Civil Engineering Center. TheEdgewood Chemical Biological Center, orECBC, is supporting the effort.Industry and academia are also partners inthe program including Calgon/Chemviron,Emory University, Enropics and Phasex.Page 6NSSC This MonthIn collaboration with NSRDEC, the ECBCPermeation and Analytical Solutions Branchrecently tested agent absorption on different fabrics, which could be used. All testingneeded to meet the chemical and biologicaldefense program test and evaluation standards, as well as program requirements.“Natick brought us on board based on ourprevious work with them, as well as ourunique ability to test using live agents andour understanding of transport phenomenon,” said Brian MacIver, ECBC Permeationand Analytical Solutions branch chief. “Thequality of our labs and test methods, andour reach-back support from subject-matterexperts in toxicology and decontaminationfrom across the center make us an ideal partner for this type of program.”To test the fabrics, branch scientists usedinnovative and effective test methods toidentify reactions. Scientists used three testmethods - low-volatility agent permeation,air liquid vapor aerosol group and advancedsuper-shedding efficacy test - the latter beinga brand-new capability developed specificallyfor this program.ECBC researchers recently developed thelow-volatility agent permeation method,which will soon become an official test andEdgewood Chemical Biological Center researchersare part of a team looking to design a new warfighteruniform, which will decrease thermal burden to thewarfighter while maintaining the same or betterprotection against chemical agents.Collaboration and ingenuity reigned at theUnited States Military Academy’s and NatickSoldier Research, Development and Engineering Center’s Project Presentation Day.evaluation method with the Department ofDefense for VX permeation through protectiveequipment. The deputy undersecretary of theArmy-test and evaluation evaluated the test,which permits the experimental evaluation ofprotective materials against contaminants thatwere traditionally difficult to analyze.The NSRDEC-hosted event featured presentations by USMA West Point cadets, demonstrating accomplishments and lessons learnedduring the 2014 Academic Year ResearchCollaboration with NSRDEC. The event waspart of a larger collaboration effort betweenNSRDEC and USMA, which have a sharedinterest in researching innovative technologies for the Soldier.Scientists used the air liquid vapor aerosolgroup test cell to evaluate multiple layersof experimental carbon and shell fabrics tomeasure quantitative permeation of specificagents through the material. From past development efforts, the scientists have been ableto “well-characterize” the system and reducevariability in the data through more accuratecontrol over testing variables that are inherentto it or any other test cell or device.The branch supported the development of“super-shedding” coating capability specifically for this program. A modification ofthe air liquid vapor aerosol group method,the advanced super-shedding efficacy testmethod uses a different application of agentto the material. “With this method, we aidedNSRDEC in their development of fabric thatsheds [repels] liquid contamination,” saidChristopher Steinbach, chemist. “The coatingreduces agent permeation by allowing agentto run off the fabric.”To perform the tests, scientists used the sameadvanced super-shedding efficacy test cells,but placed on a tilt table custom built by theECBC researchers. The table was tilted at arange of 45 to 75 degrees so the agent couldrun off the fabric swatches. “The tilting represents a warfighter’s movements, as well as thehow the uniform will naturally conform totheir body,” Steinbach said.Then samples of air were pulled from thecells every few minutes to develop a curvefor the growth of the concentration of agenton the fabric. Scientists monitored the cellsin real time for 24 hours, with 13 to 26 cellsbeing used at a time. “The higher throughputallows for better statistics for evaluation,”Steinbach said.Testing will continue through fiscal 2015.Any necessary follow-on testing will be conducted at the request of NSRDEC.NSRDEC’s Henry Girolamo developed andimplemented the collaboration and continuesto manage the effort. Girolamo and USMA’sLt. Col. Michael Benson are the key points ofcontact under a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU. The MOU involves jointresearch projects and the sharing of training sites, research staff, historical data, fieldequipment and facilities. Several NSRDECtechnologies will also be deployed with cadetsduring USMA Cadet Leadership Development Training.“The research being conducted at USMAis viewed as complementary to NSRDECresearch and may promote beneficial andinnovative improvements to NSRDECproducts,” said Girolamo, lead — Emerging Concepts & Technologies, WarfighterDirectorate at NSRDEC.Project Presentation Day highlightsNSRDEC and USMA collaboration“The partnership between NSRDEC andUSMA has allowed our faculty and cadetsto engage in real-world problems,” saidUSMA advisor and assistant professor,Becky Avrin Zifchock, Ph.D. “From a faculty perspective, this ongoing relationshiphas allowed me to assist in the maturationof some initiatives, while advancing othersthat are still in early stages of development.The fresh thinking of the cadets brings anew and innovative perspective on bothtypes of projects.”ment Training field exercise. Researchpresented was conducted through year-longprograms in multiple departments.During the NSRDEC-hosted Project Presentation Day, cadet teams discussed designenhancements to modular extendable rigidwall structures; a torso-load redistributiondevice to improve Soldier comfort, mobility and usability; a female head shape andhelmet fit study related to female hairstyles;micro-climate cooling technology for theindividual Soldier; a device that may helpimprove Soldier performance at the anklejoint; and the Cadet Leadership Develop-By Jane Benson, NSRDEC Public Affairs / NATICK, Mass. (May 7, 2015)“The collaboration between USMA andNSRDEC provides great mutual benefit forboth organizations,” said Benson, Ph.D.,director, Center for Innovation and Engineering, Department of Civil & Mechanical Engineering, USMA. “Cadets have anopportunity to learn about and partner withNSRDEC on relevant challenges that theymay soon see firsthand as junior officers.NSRDEC benefits from the innovationand passion of these motivated cadets andfaculty with their unique blend of Armyexperiences and the strong academic program, as well as the long-term investment ofincreasing awareness across the ranks as tothe mission and capabilities of NSRDEC.Strengthened with summer internships,USMA and NSRDEC both have great potential to continue to reinforce a successfulpartnership in service to the nation.”“Overall, it was an amazing experience fromboth a mechanical engineering student andfuture U.S. Army officer prospective,” saidWest Point cadet Angela Bapp, who workedon the torso-load redistribution project. “Itwas inspiring to work so closely with Ms.(Karen) Gregorczyk and her engineeringteam to see what resources and facilities areavailable at such a large engineering center.The direct impact these technologies haveon the future Soldiers I will soon lead alsoleft me awestruck. I am extremely gratefulfor the experience of working with the teamsat Natick and challenging myself and myteam to solve a real-world, complex Soldierdesign problem. The opportunity to briefBrig. Gen. (William E.) Cole, Brig. Gen.(Timothy) Trainor, Command Sgt. Maj.(James P.) Snyder and other senior leaders atthe Natick facilities was also a phenomenalexperience.”In the future, the collaboration may be expanded to include additional areas of research.Page 7

NSSC NewsNatick employee recipient of 2014Secretary of the Army awardBy Tazanyia L. Mouton, USAG-Natick Public Affairs / July 9, 2015A Natick Soldier Systems Center employee received the Diversity and Leadership ProgramsAward for exceptional service at the annualSecretary of the Army awards ceremony.Donna Leon, a lead technical writer/editor and team leader for the Aerial Deliveryand Soldier Protective Equipment LogisticsSupport Team at the Soldier Product SupportIntegration Directorate, said she is honoredto have gotten this recognition.“I feel almost as if I’m living a dream,” saidLeon, “because I never would have thoughtthat doing what comes natural, or whatmeans a lot to me, would affect so manypeople or people would take notice.”Leon, who also was recognized last year bythe National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as the U.S. Army’srecipient of the 2014 Roy Wilkins RenownService Award and received the 2015 GreaterBoston Federal Executive Board Outstanding Diversity and Inclusion Award, said shestrives to always help others when she can.“Sometimes, just offering a hand makes all thedifference,” said Leon. “It makes people feelgood. It lets them know that they are seen.”Leon, who at a young age had to overcomesegregation and racism, said this diversityaward is something she stands behind.“That’s very important to me, especiallybringing people together regardless of ethnicity or race or anything like that,” she said.Leon regularly volunteers with several councils and committees that are managed by theEqual Employment Opportunity office, andshe also encourages participation in community events to educate and reinforce knowledge in a diversified environment.“I think it’s easy to complain about unfairtreatment if you don’t make an effort toparticipate,” said Leon. “So my goal is tostrengthen the talents.”One way Leon said talents can be strengthened is by identifying and working on one’sshortcomings, and she added that it’s impor-Page 8NSSC This Monthtant for people to work more as a team andhelp their fellow man.“When other people see you trying to dothe right thing,” said Leon, “they tend tofollow suit.”Leon said her concern for others was instilledin her as a child by her parents. From ayoung age, she always wanted to help otherchildren and her older relatives.“Of course, throughout my years, I, too, havebeen the recipient of someone’s kindness,kind words, (or) acts,” Leon said. “It just further instilled in me that whenever possible,do what you can for somebody else, becauseit makes a difference.”Hard work, honesty and integrity are mostimportant to her, Leon said.“It’s all in order to establish a more opencommunication, more stable relationships,”said Leon. “Whether they are friends, orco-workers, or acquaintances, theyknow that what you speak is true.”Leon said she is humbled bythis latest award.“Whether I had won or not, itmeant all the world to me thatsomeone took the time to tryto recognize me,” said Leon. “Ididn’t ask for recognition for thethings that I’ve done, and that Ihope to continue to do.“I did it because I wanted to doit. That’s a part of who I am.”Leon also spoke about whatleadership meant to her.“There are a lot of uprightpeople who assist, encourageand promote the wellbeing of others. They try toserve with proper morals, be supportive,and do not expectcredit,” said Leon.“They are trueleaders.”According to Leon, true leaders are gratefulfor the good things that occur, and are able tostand up when the bad things occur.“Ask yourself these questions,” Leon said. “Ifno one knew of what I try to do for the good,would I still do it? If my effort leads me to anuncomfortable situation, would I waver?Jerry McCarthy, an engineering technician at theNatick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC, is committed to ScienceTechnology Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM,outreach. He helps high school students take theirrobotic designs to the next level by teaching themfabrication skills and how to safely use tools.“Recognition for certain actions or accomplishments is encouraging and that is OK,but do not do things simply because youwant to be noticed.”Leon added that it is important to recognizeand know what your motivation is.Jerry McCarthy’s skills and experience benefitSoldiers, students and even a few robots.“You can feel good about what is accomplished and good about yourself withoutbeing false,” said Leon. “Get involved, getothers involved, and do things that are goodand have a positive impact.McCarthy is an engineering technician at theNatick Soldier Research, Development andEngineering Center, or NSRDEC, and he iscommitted to science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach at NatickHigh School. He works extensively with therobotics teams.“Most of all — remain humble and grateful.”“Jerry is a terrific asset to the Fabrication Cellat NSRDEC, where his talents run the gamutfrom expert operation of a variety of Computer Numerical Control machines, such aslathes and milling machines, to welding andfabrication of new prototypes and equipmentfor the Soldier,” said Ken Rice, team leaderfor NSRDEC’s Design Engineering and Fabrication Team. “Jerry has taken a strong interest in STEM outreach, taking considerablepersonal time to help local students competein national robotics competitions.”McCarthy enjoys bringing his knowledge tolocal students.“Teaching is something I like doing,” McCarthy said. “I have a passion for what I do,and I like to share it with people.”McCarthy believes that hands-on learning isessential. By building the robots themselves,the students increase their mechanical understanding of how things operate.“Participant involvement is a huge part ofteaching,” he said.Doug Scott, 2014 Massachusetts STEMTeacher of the Year, values McCarthy’s helpand expertise. Scott is a lead teacher forROBONATICK. He led the Natick HighSchool Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam to theWhite House Science Fair, where the teampresented a robotic device used to assist firefighters performing underwater rescues.“The skills Jerry taught to my students willlast a lifetime,” said Scott. “He was generouswith his time, patient with the students, andBuilding aFutureNatick employee helps students bringrobots to lifeBy Jane Benson, NSRDEC Public Affairs / NATICK, Mass. (July 6, 2015)made sure each student had an opportunityto learn. I am thankful for the time he wasable to spend with my students.”One Natick High School student believesthat by teaching them fabrication skills, McCarthy helped students take their robots toa higher level. Fabrication skills enabled clubmembers to be better able to make customparts, an important aspect of robot creation.“Little tricks make a big difference,” said McCarthy. “Typically, you have to work in thetrade for years to know these things.”Another student appreciated the chance touse an arc welder and other tools that wouldhave been difficult for her to learn on herown. McCarthy also taught the team aboutthe drill press and band saw.“These tools are handy to have,” said McCarthy. “But if you misuse them, they are alsovery dangerous. It’s important to teach thestudents proper techniques and safety.”“The best and most effective STEM outreachoccurs when individuals, such as Jerry, sharetheir time and talents with the young adultsin our community,” said Joanna Graham,NSRDEC’s STEM outreach coordinator.“Natick High School’s robotics team notonly had the opportunity to learn from oneof our subject matter experts in the field ofmetal fabrication and welding, they got to seefirsthand how important science, technology,engineering and mathematics is in creatingtangible solutions to real-world problems.”“These kids are very open to learning,” saidMcCarthy. “The evolution of their knowledge is amazing. They are doing this on theirown time after school. They take it seriously.These kids are brilliant. I’m hoping some willbecome future (NSRDEC) employees.”Page 9

Photo: U.S. ArmyNSSC NewsPam Kartachak is the G6 for the U.S. Army Research,Development and Engineering Command and chiefinformation officer for the U.S. Army EdgewoodChemical Biological Center.consolidation. These Army-directed consolidations create efficiencies meant to reducecosts and minimize the IT services footprint.The ECBC R&D IT Enterprise providesfor Army-directed savings while serving as amission enabler and business integrator to theR&D community. ECBC chief informationofficer, or CIO, has worked with AMC toconsolidate its customer support to includethe Headquarters, Department of the ArmyInstallation Preparedness Program, Office ofthe Secretary of Defense, Plans Integrationand Analysis Office, Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, U.S. Army Research, Development andEngineering Command Headquarters, ArmyResearch Laboratory, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Army Material Systems Analysis Activityand Chemical Materiel Activity, or CMA.KnowledgeManagementKey requirement for collaboration, innovationBy ECBC Communications / ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 18, 2015)The rapid pace of technology continues to bea catalyst for the way people live, work andplay. Network connections have promotedmobile-computing applications, which haveincreased access to information and knowledge sharing, and as a result, empoweredcommunication on an individual and organizational level. But is the network secure?The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, or ECBC, Research and Development, or R&D, Information Technology,or IT, Enterprise uses the Defense ResearchPage 10NSSC This MonthEngineering Network, or DREN. Its securenetwork technology facilitates how scientistsand engineers are able to get the right information to the right people at the right timeto fulfill their mission to advance chemicaland biological defense.The ECBC Corporate Information Office isthe backbone for the center’s operations andhas recently been established by Army Materiel Command, or AMC, as the Researchand Development Center of Excellence forDREN supported SharePoint and data center“While managing the risk inherent to aresearch environment, we are able to respondto the unique requirements of the scientistsand engineers that may need certain softwareto do their jobs,” said Pam Kartachak, the G6for the U.S. Army Research, Developmentand Engineering Command, and chief information officer for ECBC and CMA. “Wefeel we are making a difference in our abilityto provide for the unique IT requirementsneeded by the R&D community.”“We use the Defense Research EngineeringNetwork to provide information technology operational support to all three of theseorganizations and consider them a part ofour enterprise,” Kartachak said. “The securitymeasures we’ve put in place allow us to manage the risk of an R&D-based network,

the world," Poppenberger said. "At the end of the day, FSS provides an incredible capability. "The sun never sets on FSS equipment and FSS mission." Moore also talked of the important PM FSS mission. "Great people, great mission, focused on the Soldier," said Moore, "providing quality life support that's safe, effective .