Have you heard of the Air Force Challenge Coin? Although the challenge coin is not common knowledge among the general public, the Air Force challenge coin is a long-standing and well-respected tradition of the Air Force.
The history of the air force squadron coins and the way the coin is used today has added to some very interesting facts to these pieces of metals.
1. History of Air Force Coins
The story goes that the Germans shot down an American pilot in the war. He went to the Allied Forces but had no identification. The French army that intercepted him suspected that he was an American pilot and thought he was a spy. He was scheduled to execute the death sentence until he pulled out a badge with the logo of his squadron on it. The medal saved the pilot’s life.
He used it to prove his identity and brought the security pass back to his squadron. After that, in his squadron, the medal was usually used as a proof of identity. Eventually, the idea reached all branches of the military and other public service positions, such as the fire department.
2. It’s a Mark of Becoming an Airman
Air force students receive their first coin, called the pilot’s coin, when they complete basic training. There is a formal ceremony in which the commander presents a coin to the trainee. This is the most important coin that the pilot will receive. The commander or master sergeant confers a medal. This means that the trainee is now officially a pilot. They are no longer the low status of trainees.
3. There is a Traditional Handshake
Giving a coin involves exaggeration and the environment. You don’t simply give someone a coin. The coin must pass during the handshake. The commander put the coin in his palm. Then the commander shook hands with the pilot. During the handshake, the coin transfers from the commander’s palm to the pilot’s palm. Other forms of coin transfer are not accepted.
4. The Challenge
As every pilot knows, to keep on with the tradition, you must keep your coins at all times. You never know when the coin challenge or coin check will happen. A coin challenge or coin check refers to a member of the Air Force asking all other existing members to produce their coins. This can happen at any time and under any circumstances, so you’d better be prepared. Any pilot who can’t get a coin immediately owes the challenger a glass of wine. If everyone present can and does produce their coins, the challenger owes him/her all the challenge round drinks.
5. Your Coin Tells Your History
The airman’s coin is the first coin you earned, but it is not the last one. The coins you collect tell your career history. The president or other first officer issues coins for the services provided and considers them valuable.
6. There are Rules
In addition to handshake transfer, there are other regulations, and pilots will also comply with these regulations. Some of these rules include: when you give a coin to a new Airmen, you must explain all the rules to them. You must carry your coin with you at all times-you cannot lend/give your coin to the new Airmen. If you lose or misplace your coin, you are responsible for replacing it as soon as possible. You must carry a challenge coin, you cannot wear it.
These are some of the interesting facts about air force squadron coins. As you see these are not just some piece of metals but has a rich history and tradition attached to it.
