THE OFFICIAL
ARMY SECURITY AGENCY
CHALLENGE
COIN
What is a CHALLENGE COIN?
and HOW DOES THE "CHALLENGE WORK?"
and HOW DOES THE "CHALLENGE WORK?"
Below are a few different variations on the same theme. Use
them, or make up your own ...
but ... you better make sure everyone is in agreement on the "rules" before you make your first challenge!
A Brief History of Challenge Coins
Challenge coins were originally used by Special Forces to recognize soldiers for outstanding acts, to boost morale,
and to build camaraderie. Today, challenge coins are in use by several hundred military and law enforcement units.
Traditionally, "coining" was executed to see if fellow soldiers were carrying their unit's coin. In the Viet Nam era
this tradition was modified slightly so that the loser of the challenge was obligated to buy a round of drinks. (Imagine that!)
ORDERING INFO:
Single Coins $10 postage paid
Cash, Good Check, or Money Order
Pay Pal Account Name Is: heyvern@asalives.com
or use your Credit Card! (through Pay Pal)
but ... you better make sure everyone is in agreement on the "rules" before you make your first challenge!
A Brief History of Challenge Coins
Challenge coins were originally used by Special Forces to recognize soldiers for outstanding acts, to boost morale,
and to build camaraderie. Today, challenge coins are in use by several hundred military and law enforcement units.
Traditionally, "coining" was executed to see if fellow soldiers were carrying their unit's coin. In the Viet Nam era
this tradition was modified slightly so that the loser of the challenge was obligated to buy a round of drinks. (Imagine that!)
ORDERING INFO:
Single Coins $10 postage paid
Cash, Good Check, or Money Order
Pay Pal Account Name Is: heyvern@asalives.com
or use your Credit Card! (through Pay Pal)
or ask about my Bakers Dozen discount
special - (for reunions)
Vern Greunke
PO Box 124
Cedar Bluffs, NEBRASKA 68015-0124
Vern Greunke
PO Box 124
Cedar Bluffs, NEBRASKA 68015-0124
1. A coin challenge is initiated by either drawing your coin and holding it in the air, or slamming it on a table and yelling "Coin Check!"
2. The individual or individuals who are challenged must respond by drawing their own coin and showing it to the challenger.
3. If any member is challenged and is unable to brandish a coin, that person must buy a round of drinks for everyone being challenged,
including the challenger.
4. Coin checks are permitted anywhere and anytime.
The Challenge Coin is a coin that is carried by individuals that have pride in a unit. When an individual displays his coin he is challenging anyone to show their coin.
If others don't have theirs then they must buy that person a drink. If another displays their coin then that challenger must buy the drink.
A coin can be displayed intentionally or accidentally like dropping it (coin abuse) A coin may be carried in any place.
For example a pocket,bag,wallet, etc. When a coin is displayed then the challengee is allowed to move one step to get to their coin.
Initially, challenge coins were created for elite military units. (and who were more Elite than the ASA!?)
The challenge coin is carried by all operators who are part of that elite unit or graduates of a course of significant importance.
It should always be carried on your person, particularly to "drinking holes".
To not have your coin on you when challenge by another graduate would mean buying a round for the boys.
If you are a proud ASA Veteran, then don't be caught without your ASA Challenge Coin.
It is a small price to pay for a lot of fun.
Not having one could prove more expensive!!
"I always carry my coin. It reminds me of my commitment and
connection to something bigger than my day-to-day life"
A History of the Challenge Coin
During World War 1, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons.
Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war.
In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit.
One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore about his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilots? aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire.
He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol.
In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification
except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front.
Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.
He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines.
With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost.
Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes.
Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him.
He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion.
He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion.
They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times.
This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner - a challenger would ask to see the medallion.
If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them.
If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink.
This tradition continued on throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.
All personnel present must present their coin whenever a coin check is initiated.
Individual(s) not in possession of their coin during a coin check will be required to purchase a beverage for each individual who produced a coin.
If all personnel produce a coin, the individual initiating the check will buy.
Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.
EXCEPTIONS
There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it -- SORRY 'BOUT THAT G.I.!
A COIN IS A COIN
Coins attached on belt buckles are considered "belt buckles".
Coins on key chains are considered "key chains."
Coins placed in a "holder/clasp" and worn around the neck like a necklace are valid and are considered a coin.
Never, ever be caught without your Army Security Agency
Challenge Coin!
--- And this my friends is a chance for all Army Security Agency Veterans
to have their own ELITE UNIT coin!
Carry it with you always and always show it with pride, the pride we all feel for our own special unit. -- ASA LIVES!
--- And this my friends is a chance for all Army Security Agency Veterans
to have their own ELITE UNIT coin!
Carry it with you always and always show it with pride, the pride we all feel for our own special unit. -- ASA LIVES!
Your Support Is
Always Greatly Appreciated!!!!