Originally constituted and activated at Fort Shafter, Hawaii on 1 July 1974, 6th Signal Command acquired its motto “Voice of the Desert” for its service in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Desert Shield—but just barely. It had been inactivated from 1977 up until 4 December 1990, about six weeks before coalition forces launched its first air strikes. Before its inactivation in June 1992, 6th Signal Command had taken part in all three campaigns of the Southwest Asia conflict and been honored with a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Although no reference can be found of the Command being reactivated following its service in the First Gulf War, an October 2008 article in
Signal magazine references the Command’s role in overhauling the Army’s communications networks in Korea.
Approved on 24 June 1991, the design of the 6th Signal Command Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, draws upon its service in Southwest Asia for inspiration. Besides the motto “Voice of the Desert,” the 6th Signal Command selected a desert falcon—symbol of speed, vigilance, and clear communications—as its totem on the insignia. A white lightning flash on the falcon represents the speed of modern communications (white and orange are Signal Corps colors), and the falcon’s blue hue connotes loyalty and steadfastness.
Related Items6th Signal Command Distinctive Unit Crest (DUI)