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DYNAMIC DEFENSE SYSTEMS
Challenge Coin History

During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. He himself carried his medallion in a small leather pouch around his neck.

Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was force to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.

He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French in this sector had been plagued by saboteurs. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him a saboteur and made ready to execute him. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners. His French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion and delayed long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.

Back at his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through a challenge in the following manner: a challenger would ask to see the coin. If the challenged could not produce his coin, he was required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged him. If the challenged member produced his coin, the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after, while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.

To this day, the fighting men and women of the armed forces of the United States of America, proudly continue this tradition.  In honor of this tradition, a custom coin has been made for all Law Enforcement Edged Weapon Tactics certified Officers and Military personnel.

 

The Rules
A "Coin Check" consists of a challenge and a response

1. RULES:

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 the L.E.E.W.T. 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 those that are being challenged respond 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 challenger and you must walk around with your head down for the remainder of the evening as you have dishonored yourself and everyone who has earned the right to posses the coin.

 

2. Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE. (Keep your situation 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 per the history of the coin, and are considered a coin. 

What do the Symbols mean on the Coin?

The founders of Dynamic Defense Systems and the Law Enforcement Edged Weapon Tactics system are all former United States Marines, and continue to serve as members of the Law Enforcement community.  Hence, the logo for Dynamic Defense Systems is called the "Wings of Freedom and the Sword of Justice".  An Eagle has always been a symbol of freedom, and the commitment given in blood, sweat and tears by many to create and keep our freedom.  The wings on the coin symbolize this freedom and our commitment to ensure freedom remains.  It represents duty, honor, courage and loyalty to a belief of what our country stands for, and to those who serve it.  The sword symbolizes Law Enforcement.  It’s a broad sword showing our great warrior heritage, as well as our desire for swift and firm but fair justice.  The double edge of the sword depicts the true nature of justice and its equal representation of those who must abide by the law.  

The Law Enforcement Edged Weapon Tactics symbol on the back of the coin represents all 9 angles of attack depicted by the lines around the inner circle.  The letter "G" in the middle of the coin is located in the center marking the angle 7 line of attack.  Some have also called this "the G spot."  The inner circle reminds us that all movements should follow the guidelines of "economy of motion" which allows for simple and non-restrictive movement.  It also reminds us that a knife is a multi-directional controlled energy weapon.  The user can manipulate the blade in 3 dimensions along straight and or circular paths.  The two solid bars that contain the words "Law Enforcement" and "Weapon Tactics" reminds us that we should always use good tactical sense and have a cover officer when applicable.  "Any cut is a good cut" reminds us of how deadly and unforgiving the blade is.  "The purpose of fighting is to win" is the first line in a quotation written by John Steinback called "The Law," which reads, "The purpose of fighting is to win.  There is no possible victory in defense.  The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.  The final weapon is the brain.  All else is supplemental."

 

The Law Enforcement Edged Weapon Tactics challenge coin is a sacred symbol of accomplishment that will build a bond with your fellow officers across the Nation.  It’s a promise that you will never let your guard down.  A constant reminder that you can and will survive even the worst of circumstances.  It's the jingle in your pocket that echoes to those who know its meaning, that you have committed yourself to winning and nothing less is acceptable.  The very fuel that allows common people to achieve uncommon results.  In our world, second place is a title reserved for the unlucky individual who just tried to take you on.

 

God Bless you and yours.  Remember to keep your head down and your edge sharp!  

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God"

Matthew 5:9

Robert Ross
Executive Director
Dynamic Defense Systems

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