Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, Every Day is a Morale Booster Day

Armed Forces Day was named designated in 1949. It is a day to recognize all military branches of the Department of Defense together, rather than each branch celebrating a different day. The first Armed Forces Day held parades, receptions and open houses. Every service branch has their specialized areas of expertise and through this celebration day they could all show what their area is and also boost the units morale. But, like many recognition days this one usually goes unnoticed now.

How does a service branch build up morale? One item that is unique is by using Challenge Coins to boost morale.

So what are Challenge Coins and what are they used for?
The Military Coins are thought to have originated back in the 1st World War when the Army created the first flying units. These units were mostly made up of volunteer pilots and needed a way to entice people to join. The story tells about a Lieutenant that had some bronze medallions embossed with the squadron emblem he would give these to fellow comrades to honor their service together. He kept them in a pouch that he wore around his neck.

This person was shot down and captured by the Germans and held prisoner to later be executed during a mission. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. During a night bombardment attack he donned civilian clothes and escaped. He reached the front lines but stumbled into a French outpost. They thought he was a saboteur and also prepared to execute him. He told them to look at the coins and they recognized the squadron insignia and released him. From there all pilots were told to carry their unit coin for identification purposes. This led to challenges from other unit members to make sure they did indeed carry them, if they didn't then they had to purchase a drink for the challenger or get work details. Whether this story is real doesn't really matter, but it makes the beginning stages of the Challenge Coins interesting.

These coins are still being used as morale boosters. Military members or veterans can be "challenged" usually by holding it in the air or rapping it on the bar and the challenged person must show their coin within 30 seconds. Military service members often trade these coins while deployed. In some cases a coin can be earned meritoriously for a job well done.

Some Military "Challenge Coins" are simple and colorless. Others are ornate, filled with intricate designs and etchings. All of them have a story behind them.

Some organizations that support the military also have their own challenge coins. Organizations such as: Silver Star Families of America, Blue Star Mothers of America, Gold Star Mothers of America, along with the VFW, American Legion, and most likely many other organizations do also.