Battalion Coin

Since 1998, each commissioned lieutenant and each cadre member plus distinguished individuals have been be presented a coin. BYU Army ROTC includes the cadets and cadre of Utah Valley State College, Southern Utah University, and Brigham Young.

On one side of the coin is the Army ROTC shield signifying our overall mission of National Defense. The shield is colored in the Army Gold and Black, with a Lamp indicating Pursuit of Knowledge, a Helmet indicating A Warrior Leader, a Sword indicating Courage and Gallantry, and the ROTC motto: LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE representing the moral responsibility each officer has to this nation. Underneath this shield is the Cougar Battalion motto: ýService Firstý ý the obligation each Cougar Battalion member has to God, Country, Family, and Others.

On the other side of the coin are certain symbols representing the BYU Cougar Battalion. The blue is part of the school colors ý Royal Blue and White. The Beehive or Deseret, a symbol of industry is part of the BYU Army ROTC crest and the seal of the State of Utah. The Musket representing the Pioneer Settlement of Utah and the Saber representing the Mormon Battalion are crossed over the Beehive as reminders of the solemn obligation we have to protect the virtues and principles upon which Utah and BYU are founded. Underneath are the words, Duty, Honor, Country, that represent the three Army ROTC cannons bearing those names and describe ýwhat we ought to be, what we can be and what we will beý.They are our rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.ý (Gen Douglas MacArthur)

All of this plus ý our region and brigade ý 4th Region, 3rd Brigade ý our battalion and unit ý Cougar Battalion and Brigham Young University ROTC, inscribed on a coin and always within our memory.

The Coin tradition:

Several Army units ý and perhaps all ý mint a coin that represents their Unit. In most cases, the unit crest and motto are engraved to serve as constant reminders of the unit, its esprit, and the honor of being associated therewith.

Depending on the unit, the coins are given to all assigned members and/or presented to distinguished military and civilian personnel who perform direct missions or tasks in support of the unit. Sometimes only certain individuals are singled out for the Unit Coin. The intent is to honor the past, those who brought distinct credit to the unit, and those who uphold that same pride and distinction today. The coin is to be readily available, especially at functions where it is customary to drink toasts to the unit, its soldiers and its memory.

Any individual possessing a coin can issue a challenge to another individual, he or she believes holds a similar coin. If the individual has received the coin, but cannot produce it, the individual must buy the challengerýs drinkýThis can also include drinks for all present who wish to participate in a toast to the unitýthis can be costly depending upon the size of the group and location.
However, if the challenged individual produces the coin, then the challenger has the honor of purchasing the drinks for all present. (Or ý if agreed ý each will cover his or her own drink.)
In certain group settings, those who have coins will not be required to buy, while those who have failed to bring their coins will buy for all present.
Intent is for the challenge to happen only once in each settingýbut be wary of new comers.
It is wise to be careful when presenting your challenge. It is also wise to have a good memory. Most, who have had to purchase drinks, will make an effort to return the favor at some future occasion.
Always remember the honor of holding the coin.