“It seemed to be one of the quickest and most effective ways to show some of our junior scientists and engineers the military experience,’’ said public affairs officer David Accetta, a retired Army paratrooper.
The first outing, in August, was a hit with the engineers, and those on the October trip had clamored for the chance to go.
“I’m here to learn more about what it’s like to be a soldier,’’ said Stephanie Bolduc, 27, a requirements analyst at Natick. “The two guys I work with in my office are former infantrymen … I came out here to see what it’s like so I know what they’re talking about when they try and use Army jargon.’’
Besides, the excursion was something of a thrill ride. Participants could have been bused to Fort Devens from Natick, but helicopters added “the cool factor’’ for civilians who had seen Black Hawks only in the movies, Accetta said.
Major Brian Meekins, who helped devise the training program, said the flight was part of the training. Since US troops are routinely deployed by helicopter, flying the engineers in created “a context of realism,’’ he said.
It showed the engineers how cramped a loaded Black Hawk is, teaching them why their equipment must be compact.
The day began with an exercise in land navigation. The visitors got a crash course in map reading prior to the trip and used their skills to make their way through hilly, wooded terrain to a series of landmarks on the base.
Later, they took turns wearing a 35-pound armored vest, the kind used by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. A weapon, ammunition, and supplies can easily add 60 pounds.
It was an eye-opener for Magdalena Mulherin, 35, of Marlborough, who studied fashion at Framingham State University and designs Army uniforms at Natick. “It came to my attention how important it is to design a well-functioning garment,’’ Mulherin said.
Corey Hauver of Spencer, 23, said the trek underscored the importance of making equipment weigh less.
