Custom challenge coins have a long, distinguished history in the U.S. Armed Forces. They have long been used as a way to honor achievement and dedication. The Air Force’s Airman coin is one of the most treasured of all military coins.
A popular, if apocryphal, tale of the origin of challenge coins traces their history back to the Army Air Corps in World War I. Technically, that makes the Airman’s coin the original military challenge coin.
For Air Force recruits, the Airman coin marks the beginning of their Air Force career. It is a special honor they receive as their very first challenge coin.
The Airman coin marks the end of a recruit’s basic training, and marks the recruit’s official acceptance into the Air Force. Once they receive their coin, the trainees, both men and women, achieve the rank of Airman. They receive their coins at a special ceremony denoting their first official rank.
Typically, the Wing Commander or Command Chief Master Sergeant presents the Airman coin to each recipient. Presentation of the coin follows a standard U.S. military coin protocol.
The Airman receives the coin via a firm handshake from the presenter. The presenter holds the coin in his or her palm and transfers it during the handshake. Someone observing the presentation might not even know the transfer has occurred.
Once they receive it, an Airman is expected to keep their coin with them at all times, in case of a challenge or “coin check.”
Anyone with a coin can call a coin check, to challenge those present to show their coins. Those who can’t buy the next round. If everyone else has their coins, the challenger buys instead. Coin checks can take place at any time, including in the shower.
The Airman’s Coin is the first of many the Airman may receive during their time in the service. Any higher ranking officer, all the way up to the Commander in Chief can present a coin to any Airman they find worthy of it. A collection of coins shows the story of a career, showcasing milestones and memorable achievements.
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