A popular military tradition is collecting “challenge coins” from the various commands you work with throughout your career. There are a few unconfirmed stories about the origin of these coins involving bravery behind enemy lines, but there is much more certainty about their use to determine who has to buy a round of drinks.
In general, they are given in recognition of good work that does not rise to the level of receiving a medal. Each has a story. In the case of the coins shown here, a story about a lawyer in the military.
For example, the coin on the bottom right is from the Navy-Marine Corps Appellate Review Activity Defense Division, where Elysia worked on the appeals of convicted service members. It has a picture of a snake and ducks and the Latin phrase Latet anguis in herba, anates ad aquae, which translates to Like Snakes in the Grass, Like Ducks to Water.
Apparently this has something to do with the defense lawyers finding errors in the trial records like finding snakes in the grass, and taking to the civilianization of military justice like ducks take to water. I could not make this up if I tried.
The other coins are from COMPHIBRON FIVE (Commander Amphibious Squadron FIVE) in Bahrain, two from the Navy JAG, one from the Naval Legal Services Command, and one from the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/MPA. For everything from escorting a Real Admiral on a trip, organizing the JAG Corps holiday party, and participating in policy discussions on POW/MPA issues.
Yesterday, Elysia brought home a coin for me. I believe this means the next round is on her.
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