Have you ever heard of an air force challenge coin?
Although challenge coins are not common knowledge among the general public, air force challenge coins are a longstanding and deeply respected tradition in the Air Force.
Check out some reasons why we love challenge coins and everything they stand for!
The history of challenge coins and the ways that the coins are used today have cemented the challenge coins in our hearts. Here are our top reasons that we love Air Force challenge coins.
1. Air Force Challenge Coins Have History
The legend dates back to World War I. The story goes that Germans shot down an American pilot in Germany during the war. He made his way to the Allied forces but had no proof of identity.
The French troops who intercepted him doubted his claims of being an American pilot and thought he was a spy. He was set for execution until he pulled out a medallion with his squadron’s symbol on it.
The medallion saved the pilot’s life. He used it to prove his identity and get safe-passage back to his squadron.
After that, it became customary in his squadron to always carry the medallion as a form of identification. The custom slowly spread across all Airmen.
Eventually, the idea of challenge coins reached all branches of the military and other public service positions such as fire departments.
2. It’s a Rite of Passage
Air Force trainees receive their first coin, called the Airman’s coin, when they complete basic training. There is an official ceremony during which Commanders impart trainees with a coin.
This is the most significant coin an Airman will receive. The Wing Commander or Commander Chief Master Sergeant gives the medallion. It signifies that a trainee is now officially an Airman.
They are no longer the lowly status of a trainee.
3. There’s a Traditional Hand-off (Like a Secret Handshake)
Any good tradition involves a secret handshake. This one is no different. There is pomp and circumstance involved in giving a coin.
You can’t simply give someone a coin. You can’t mail it. You can’t toss it across the bar.
The coin must pass during a handshake. The Commander places the coin in his/her palm. The Commander then shakes the hand of the Airman.
During the handshake, the coin transfers from the Commander’s palm to the palm of the Airman.
No other form of coin transfer is acceptable.
4. It’s a Challenge
Every Airman knows that keeping with the legend, you must keep your coin on you at all times. You never know when a coin challenge or coin check will happen.
A coin challenge or coin check is when a member of the Air Force demands that all other present members produce their coins. This can happen at any time, during any circumstances, so you better be prepared.
Any Airman that can’t immediately produce their coin owes the challenger a drink. If everyone present can and does produce their coin, the challenger owes a round of drinks for all he/she challenged.
5. Your Coins tell Your History
The Airman’s coin is your first coin earned, but it’s not the last. Airmen earn coins throughout their military careers.
Your collection of coins tells your professional history.
The President or other First Sergeants award coins for services performed, that are deemed worthy.
6. There are Rules
Along with the handshake pass off, there are other rules an Airman follows for the coins.
Some of these rules include:
- You must explain all the rules to new Airmen when you give them a coin
- You must carry your coin on you at all times
- You cannot lend/give your coin to someone during a challenge
- If you lose or misplace your coin, it is your responsibility to replace it as soon as humanly possible
- You must carry a challenge coin; you cannot wear it. Don’t attach it to a necklace or belt
Airmen who carry their coins within the rules are honoring a tradition and demonstrating that they understand the history that comes along with a challenge coin.
7. There Are No Exceptions to the Rules
There are zero exceptions to the rules. The rules listed in #6 apply at all times to all Airmen.
They apply whether you are in uniform or not. They apply whether you’re clothed or not. They apply first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
There is no excuse for not having your coin on your person.
At the time of the challenge, an Airman is permitted one step and an arm’s reach to procure their coin. If the challenged Airman cannot produce the coin, they lose and owe the challenger a drink.
8. The Commander Designs the Coin
Commanders in the Air Force create their own coins. There is a designated budget for officers to create personal coins. These coins are designed for specific reasons and to commemorate specific events.
For instance, the “First Salute” coin is awarded to the first enlisted member who salutes a newly-commissioned officer.
9. The Coin Has Evolved
The Air Force challenge coin looks different from the original coins.
The first official version of the Airman’s coin showcased an eagle on one side. The inscription “Aerospace Power” was featured beneath the eagle. The opposite side featured a white star with a red dot in the center.
This is the Hap Arnold star. Around the edge of the coin, the words “Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All We Do” are engraved.
For the Air Force’s 60th anniversary in 2007, the Airmen’s coin was updated to feature an anniversary design. The most recent version of the Airmen coin shows the Air Force symbol instead of the eagle.
Get Your Personalized Challenge Coin Today!
Now that you are familiar with Air Force challenge coins, you’ll probably start to hear about other types of challenge coins. It is a tradition that has been adopted across all branches of the military and right down to civilian corporations looking to boost morale.
Want to learn more about the challenge coin? Check out this article about the history of challenge coins.
Contact us today with any questions or inquiries.