Challenge Coins (UPDATED!)

Posted By Mr Wolf

I recently ran into some interesting info online, and was wondering what the Blackfive readers had experienced.  All in regards to challenge coins.

For those that are not familiar, challenge coins are coins that are handed out by commanders, sergeants-majors, units, and others as 'mementos'.  But that was not their original usage- while many units have varied histories around challenge coins, most will agree that it originates from WWI when a downed pilot used it to verify his background.  From that point forward, the unit had everyone carrying a coin in a pouch around their neck.

Coins really took off in the Vietnam era, and many from that conflict are quite valuable- ones from MACV-SOG or other specialized unit are especially coveted.  During my trips over there, I was not able to secure a 'real' coin but fakes are readily available.

Coin usage nowadays is not for combat; its for camaraderie.  Any place, ANY time, a person holding a coin can issue a challenge; showers too!  Those not able to reach their coin buys the round; those holding the HIGHEST RANK of coin gets rounds purchased by the others.  IF, in a challenge, everyone comes up with their coin, one of two things can happen- either the LAST person producing the coin buys, or the challenger buys, depending on local/unit tradition.  Personally, I'm never without a 4-star coin, ever.  My most 'valuable' one is a Rumsfeld.  He's known for having been especially strict on giving them out.  Never, EVER challenge Blackfive.  He's known to carry a Presidential one.  Can't.be.trumped.

How do you acquire one?  They are given as a 'reward' in many cases, similar to an award, but much less formality involved.  Presenter places one in their palm, shakes hand of the recipient, and transfers the coin.  This is the only TRUE method.  You can, indeed, buy most if not all coins (even a Rumsfeld, but they are expensive, and fakes are numerous) but only those given and received in this traditional manner are really worth anything.  My favorite coin was given to me by an Admiral in Iraq- his first coin, and his first coining, in theater.

One of my favorite challenge stories was in the summer of '86 in Camp Grayling, MI.  The 101st Airborne provided some companies to act as OPFOR in the training areas, and when we came out of the field phase the usual nuttiness followed at the O' and NCO' clubs on post.  One night, a particularly attractive lieutenant (from my guard HQ) appeared in the O' club on Grayling.  For those who've never been there, to me, this is THE BEST officers club on any facility.  She walked to the bar in the back of the club, slammed down the 101st Commanders Coin, and hilarity ensued when the guys from the 101st, who were mostly in the back of the room, bulldozed their way to the bar to slam their coins down.  Over tables, over people, over everything to get to the bar in time.  The place was PACKED, and damn, no one wanted to be last or without.  No one was expecting HER to coin the 101st.  I don't think the place settled down for the rest of the summer after that little stunt.

You got a good challenge coin story?  Share it in the comments.  I've got dozens of stories of coining in Iraq.  Joint Chiefs chairman GEN Myers dumped an entire SLEEVE of his coins into the cargo pocket of a unit Sergeant Major to give out to troops on his behalf.  I don't know what made that SGM more nervous- watching the Chairman do that to him, or the fact he was carrying 5 pounds of coinage in his pocket.

Drop a story or two into the comments..

Wolf

Some coins that were sent in: (story to follow in the comments)

 

And someone sent in their favorite collection of Air Force coins:

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My third favorite video of all time...

Posted By Blackfive

Right after Tombstone and the entire Firefly series comes this video of Blackfive friend and uber-badass (and SF sniper) Tim Kennedy and Recon Marine Jon Walsh. Both are multiple tour (intense) combat vets, both have just returned from training Marines in Mixed Martial Arts techniques. This video is not about those techniques.

The guys at RangerUp are on fire. Don't put them out (they can take it, they ARE Rangers after all). Buy their shirts. Support their fighters.

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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Military Motivator - The Don't Ask, Don't Tell Post for the week

Posted By Blackfive

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V.A. Death Pamphlet Covers That Could Have Been

Posted By Blackfive

Thanks to the Anchoress, I was able to see these possible covers for the new VA Death Pamphlet.

I'm pretty sure the gallows humor will get a good laugh out of them.  Joe likes that kind of stuff.  

Drink Alert!

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Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
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You'll Fight Tigers

Posted By Blackfive

The boys at Ranger Up are paying homage to the most ludicrous (and NSFW) video about Ranger training ever made.

I just have one thing to say...

But what about Special Forces?

See the video, buy the shirt.

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Today is National Airborne Day - Part II - Military Motivator Style

Posted By Blackfive

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Field expedient 9mm holster

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Anyone who has met my buddy Kev or seen the Freefly videos we made knows he's not right.....in the 'ead. Below the fold is proof perfect of that. Do not go look and them complain to me, the picture is twisted and just plain wrong. Plus you will need eye bleach for sure. I warned you. Wish him well at FOB Grizzly.

Continue reading "Field expedient 9mm holster"

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New Forms Issued by Administration to US Army

Posted By Blackfive

Download DA_FORM_IMT_WF1

[Thanks to Matthew S. for the form.]

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CNN Goes Inside the 18 Bravo Weapons Committee

Posted By Blackfive

[Reposting this one because Uber Pig posted the Ranger Skool video]

Amazing video of what the training techniques are like to produce "Quiet Professionals"...(Foul Language Alert!  These are highly trained SF soldiers so there's some harsh words)

[Just keepin' it real, fellas...]

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Army Cook (Humor?)

Posted By Blackfive

One of our readers at Special Operations Command (SOCOM) the JFKSWC (school for wayward boys) caught this decal in the parking lot and had to share it with us/you...Cooks with 'tude.

The decal reads:

Army Cooks - Death from Within

And, no, this is not a photoshop,

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