11th Signal:108th Air Defense

• Dual Heritage: The 11th Signal Brigade and the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade are two distinct but historically interconnected units, both playing critical roles in U.S. Army operations—one in communications and the other in air defense. • 11th Signal Brigade Origins: The 11th Signal Brigade was activated in 1967 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and quickly became known as the "Desert Thunderbirds" for its role in providing tactical communications. • Cold War Legacy: The 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade was originally constituted during World War II but was reactivated and reorganized during the Cold War to defend against Soviet air threats in Europe. • Operation Desert Storm: Both units participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991—the 11th Signal provided battlefield communications, while the 108th ADA protected coalition forces from Iraqi Scud missile attacks. • Patriot Missiles: The 108th ADA Brigade was one of the first units to deploy the Patriot Missile System in combat, intercepting enemy ballistic missiles and earning international recognition. • Joint Training: Signal and Air Defense units often train together, as modern air defense relies heavily on secure, real-time communications to detect and intercept airborne threats. • Global Deployments: Elements of both brigades have deployed to hotspots around the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, and the Middle East, demonstrating their global reach. • Technological Innovation: The 11th Signal Brigade has been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge communications technology, such as satellite links and secure digital networks. • Community Engagement: Both units are known for strong ties to their home bases—Fort Bliss, Texas (108th ADA) and Fort Huachuca, Arizona (11th Signal)—and regularly participate in community events and STEM outreach. • Decorations and Honors: The 108th ADA Brigade has received numerous unit citations for its performance in combat, while the 11th Signal Brigade is recognized for its “Best Signal Unit” awards and excellence in Army communications.