The Coin Check
 3rd SF 19th SF
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dating back over their thirty-one-year history, from the wearing of the
green beret. endorsed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, to annual
historic celebrations in which they take part. There are celebrations
such as Menton Day, commemorating the joint U.S.-Canadian First
Special Service Force of World War Two. The Special Forces also pay
their respects to late President Kennedy by laying a wreath and green
beret on his tomb every November twenty-second, the date of his
assassination. One of the lesser-known traditions of the Special Forces
is the Group coin.
Among elite units. the tradition is prevalent to carry some type of device
which readily identifies unit members. past and present, and also
provides the opportunity for an inspection of the unit's esprit de corps
and purpose.
The Group coin, minted In a number of metals, including sterling, is
approximately two Inches in diameter. The coin carries the mottos or
slogans of the particular Group manufacturing it. In addition to any
official motto is usually a likeness of the group flash, SF crest, and the
beret.
Nearly every Special Forces unit has minted its own version of the
Group coin; however, the 10th Special Forces Group can be credited
with fostering the tradition for a Group coin. In July 1969, Colonel
Vernon E. Green, Group commander, designed and had manufactured
the 10th Group coin. On the obverse, or front, is the inscription: "10th
Special Forces Group (Airborne) 1st Special Forces." In the center of
the coin is the Trojan Horse crest, the original SF crest worn during the
1950s, and below, the words "Trojan Horse." The reverse side is
inscribed with the Special Forces motto "De Oppresso Liber" and "The
Best." A beret with flash is centered over a scroll for engraving the
owner's name or job specialty, e.g., team sergeant, or light weapons
leader. Nearly all Group coins have a scroll or such place for engraving.
Once the 10th Group coin was minted, the tradition began, calling for
each Group member, past and present, to procure and carry a coin at
all times. In addition to active or former Group personnel owning coins,
they have been presented to friends and foreign Special Forces soldiers
at the close of joint country training, as momentos.
The actual history of the challenge initiated by one SFer to another by
demanding to see his Group coin varies greatly. According to legend,
the original coin check was done only by the senior man present
(usually the team sergeant), who did it for the sole purpose of ensuring
each man's team spirit (in which case, all would be carrying a coin).
The purpose of this drill was to check morale.
Nowadays this is done primarily a dare, by extracting the coin and
slamming it down onto the tabletop or tossing it to the floor. The loud
"ping!" produced by the boundinig coin is a challenge all SF types
present to produce their coins, or end up buying a round of drinks. This
method of the "coin check" is the most prevalent today.
There have been many attempts by the active SF groups to established
a set of rules for the coin challenge to ensure uniformity. Regardless of
any "coin regulation," most SF prefer to carry their coins, not only to
show their pride with Special Forces, but also to save money on drinks
they may have to buy if caught without it.
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A 'Coin Check' consists of a challenge and a response. a. The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, scream, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. Another, but less vocal method is to firmly place it on the bar, table, Or floor (this should produce an audible noise which can be easily heard by those being challenged, but try not to leave a permanent imprint). If you accidentally drop your coin and it makes an audible sound upon impact, then you have just "accidentally" initiated a coin check. (This is called paying the price for improper care of your coin." b. The response consists of all those persons being challenged drawing their coin in a like manner (other organizational coins are invalid). You must produce a coin with YOUR UNIT'S LOGO on it. c. If you are challenged and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and the group being challenged. d. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those people he challenged. e. Failure to buy a round is a despicable crime and will require that you turn-in your Coin to the issuing agency. 2. Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE !!!. (Keep OPSEC in mind,be smart!) 3. 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 ABOUT THAT! 4. 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. (IN THE MEAN TIME, BUY A ROUND, YOU CHEAP SKATE). |
