Russ Baker

U.S. Army South (USARSO) traces its origins to the Panama Canal Department, established in 1917 to protect the strategic waterway. During World War II, the command’s role expanded to defending the region and supporting anti-submarine operations. In 1986, it was redesignated as U.S. Army South and relocated to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in 2008. Today, USARSO serves as the Army Service Component Command of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for military operations and security cooperation throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The United States Army Air Defense Artillery Center and School (USAADACEN), historically located at Fort Bliss, Texas, was established as the primary training and doctrine center for the Army’s Air Defense Artillery branch. Originating in the mid-20th century, the center provided comprehensive education and training in air defense weaponry and tactics, including missile systems such as the HAWK, Patriot, and Stinger. USAADACEN played a pivotal role during the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm by preparing soldiers to counter aerial threats and protect friendly forces. In 2009, the center and school relocated to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as part of the Army’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiatives.