Challenge Coins: A Long-Standing Military Tradition
Throughout the military, there are many different traditions and the challenge coin has been a long lasting one. It’s a tradition that has been around for over a hundred years.
The tradition of the challenge coin began to ensure that members of a unit were actually carrying their unit’s coin. The rules of the challenge were not always formalized and they varied between organizations. The challenge only applied to those members that have been formally given a coin by their unit.
The Coin and Its Use
The tradition of the challenge coin is always meant to be a source of morale for a unit. The act of challenging is called a coin check and is usually loudly announced.
The challenge, which could be made at any time, begins with the challenger drawing his or her coin and slapping it on a table. The act of deliberately putting your coin down is considered the challenge.
Everyone being challenged must immediately produce their coin. It used to be that anyone who failed to produce their coin would buy a round of drinks for everyone.
The use of the challenge coin has changed over the years and many different organizations have adopted it, including the NFL, Nascar, Eagle Scouts, and more.
WWI and the Coin
Legend has it that in WWI a wealthy American lieutenant made solid bronze coins for each member of his squadron. He kept one for himself, and he wore it around his neck in a leather pouch.
He was imprisoned in France before making an escape. After his escape, the French soldiers didn’t recognize his American accent. After several failed attempts to prove his identity, he then showed the French soldiers the coin he kept in the leather pouch around his neck.
The French soldiers recognized the emblem on the coin, and they knew he belonged to the squadron.
My Coins from the Army
In the Navy I never saw a challenge coin or even heard of one. It wasn’t until years ago that I saw one and received one in the Army. It was given to me by the Brigade Commander at the Warrior Transition Course after being selected as the Honor Graduate.
During my time in the Army, I have received many coins. The ones that I really remember were from Ranger school, Airborne, and recently, from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I’ve made a glass case that I currently keep mine in. As of today, I currently have 17 challenge coins.
I would agree they are great morale boosters for many soldiers, as they have been for me. I’ve selected many soldiers to receive coins from me in the Army and they’ve seen their importance the same way I did.
Most of the unit commanders I have served under have always suggested to send or pick an NCO, an E4, or anyone below to receive a coin from a battalion commander, brigade commander, or even a civilian.
For example, while I was in the hospital I received a coin from Gary Sinise, the actor who played Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump. That was my first coin from a civilian and I was proud to receive it from him since he’s done so much for the military over the years.
Why the Tradition Should Continue
The history of the challenge coin is a tradition that has been in the military for many, many years, and it should always continue to be there. I think it’s something that should be done in all the branches.
It’s something a soldier can keep for years and they’ll remember the time they were recognized for their professionalism, discipline, and hard work. It’s also something that unit commanders can use to recognize the same thing.
For those that have received one, I suggest you keep it in safe keeping so you can pass it onto your children or your grandchildren. For those that have never received one, whenever the time comes, cherish it as much as you would any other reward you’ve received in the military.
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