6th Signal Command (United States)

6th Signal Command
Command Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Active	1 July 1974 – 30 November 1977 4 December 1990 – 1 June 1992
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Signal Command
Role	Military Communications
Size	Command
Part of	United States Army Communications Command
Garrison/HQ	Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Motto(s)	"Voice of the Desert"
Engagements	Southwest Asia Defense of Saudi Arabia Liberation and Defense of Kuwait Cease-Fire
Insignia
Distinctive Unit Insignia

The 6th Signal Command was a military communications command of the United States Army that was active to support the United States Army South for a few years before disbanding as a result of the end of the Cold War.

Lineage

The 6th Signal Command was constituted on 1 July 1974 in the Regular Army and subsequently activated at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Just three years later, on 30 November 1977 the command was inactivated. During its time in Hawaii, the command was tasked with providing theater communications for the Pacific. The command was formed alongside the 7th in the Continental United States and 5th in Europe.

On 4 December 1990 the command was reformed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, though inactivated two years later on 1 June 1992. During the 90's, the command provided theater sustainment communications. The command, formed specifically for operations under the Gulf War deployed later that month, and provided administration for the theater communications network.

During its time, the command was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) with a streamer embroidered "SOUTHWEST ASIA 1990-1991".

Heraldry

Below is the heraldry approved for the 6th Signal Command by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry.

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Coat of arms of Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description An orange hexagon, one point up, with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) blue border, 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width overall, bearing a blue falcon's head, eye white, charged on the neck with a lightning flash point up, also white. Years in use The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 24 June 1991. Symbolism Orange and white are colors traditionally associated with the Signal Corps. The designation of the Command is reflected by the six sides of the device. The unit's motto, "Voice of the Desert," is signified by the desert falcon, symbolizing vigilance, speed and clarity of communications. Blue stands for devotion to duty and loyalty. The lightning flash represents speed and electronic communication.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Coat of arms of Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall, consisting of an orange disc bearing a brown falcon's head charged on the neck with a silver lightning flash point up, issuing from and encircled by a blue motto scroll inscribed "VOICE OF THE DESERT" at top in silver letters and superimposed at bottom by two silver stylized scimitars crossed diagonally. Years in use The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 24 June 1991. Motto "Voice of the Desert" Symbolism Orange and white (silver) are colors associated with the Signal Corps. The falcon is associated with Saudi Arabia and the region as a respected hunting bird and desert inhabitant; with the lightning flash, it symbolizes the speed and clarity of communications required of the 6th Signal Command's mission. The crossed scimitars stand for desert service and the Command's readiness for duty during its mission in Saudi Arabia. Blue denotes devotion to duty and loyalty.

References

• Raines, Rebecca Robbins (2005). Signal Corps. Army Lineage Series. Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America: Center of Military History, United States Army. ISBN 978-1517301675.