Military Coin? Please help identify.

[Radio]

My mother collects all sorts of stuff, dolls, jewelry, just about anything.

So today I went over to her house to assist with a minor repair, and she gives me this military coin. I believe these are called "challenge coins".

Can anyone tell me the origin of this particular coin?

[KC1BUD]

From; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin

"A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military), bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. They are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale."

From; http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...y/forscom.html

"U.S. Army Forces Command is the Army's largest major command. Headquartered at Fort McPherson, Georgia, FORSCOM commands Active Component and U.S. Army Reserve forces in the Continental U.S. (CONUS) and Puerto Rico. Following mobilization, FORSCOM assumes command and control of Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve units preparing for deployment. As the Army Component of Joint Forces Command, FORSCOM provides military support to civil authorities, domestic counterdrug support, and commands Joint Task Force Six. It provides domestic disaster and emergency response assistance and supports Joint Forces Command's joint integration and joint experimentation missions."

I searched high and low to try to put a year to the coin, but was unsuccessful.

I hope this helps.

[Radio]

It would figure the coin came from "Ft. Mac" as it is known by the locals, since the fort is only about 6 miles from my house. I wonder what the "RC" stands for?

Thanks Dan.

[aintgotnun]

RC is/was the DCG's initials.

that's my SWAG and I'm sticking to it

[KC1BUD]

Originally Posted by aintgotnun

RC is/was the DCG's initials.

that's my SWAG and I'm sticking to it

According to a document at;Deputy Commanding General-RC it stands for Reserve Command.

I hope this helps.

[aintgotnun]

well then I guess my SWAG is no bueno


good info Dan

thanks


I've got a few C Coins from my stint
I almost got one from SMA Kidd back in 93 (would have been a cool one) but I had a few too many gin and tonics that night to leave a good impression. Lasting impression maybe but not good.

[KC1BUD]

Originally Posted by aintgotnun

well then I guess my SWAG is no bueno


good info Dan

thanks


I've got a few C Coins from my stint
I almost got one from SMA Kidd back in 93 (would have been a cool one) but I had a few too many gin and tonics that night to leave a good impression. Lasting impression maybe but not good.

With hitches in three branches, the Army, the Army National Guard and the Navy(of course the Army and the ANG are in fact parts of the same organization).

With 1 year 10 months and 27 days in the Army, 1 year and 2 months in the ANG, and 2 years and 9 months in the Navy for a total of over 6 years(5.75 actual), I love the math. Credited service is first entry to last exit for a total of over 6 years for pay purposes.

I have never run across one challenge coin the whole time, in fact I had never heard of them back then.

[aintgotnun]

The coin thing started in the late 80s if I remember correctly.
I joined the Army 08Aug88 (lot of 8s in there ) 4 active 4 TxARNG for a total of 8, easy math.

[KC1BUD]

Originally Posted by aintgotnun

The coin thing started in the late 80s if I remember correctly.
I joined the Army 08Aug88 (lot of 8s in there ) 4 active 4 TxARNG for a total of 8, easy math.

Although I know that WIKI has its problems with getting everything right, according to WIKI it goes further than that.


"Like many aspects of military tradition, the origins of the challenge coin are a matter of much debate with little supporting evidence. While many organizations and services claim to have been the originators of the challenge coin, the most commonly held view is that the tradition began in the Army Air Corps (a forerunner of the current United States Air Force)."

For more go to; Challenge Coin

[aintgotnun]

Yeah I've read that and I've also talked with the "old timers" of yor as well. Some had heard of them anecdotally and some claim to even have had one or two but have "lost" it. dunno

Either way...... I think the wide spread acceptance/popularity throughout the services started in the late 80s. And I didn't see my first coin (or even hear of them) till late 1990 when I got stationed in egypt.