A military news release noted Brig Gen Mark Corson handing out “commander’s coins” for excellence in February.

The…soldiers received the coins for their dedication to mission success by Brig. Gen. Mark Corson.

[Cpl Steven] Teel explained what it meant to him to receive the coin. “To be able to serve in so many different positions and be successful in the position is an honor in itself,” he said.

The Washington Post notes both the tradition of such coins (or “RMOs” in fighter pilot parlance) and increasing indications they have become a “copycat fad” in the rest of society:

“Challenge coins,” as they are known, have Read more