Ace of Spades shaped, antique brass colored coin, 2 inches wide x 3 inches high. Click to enlarge
Unit/Organization Information
  • XVIII Airborne Corps
  • Military Transition Team
  • 101st Airborne Division
  • 506th Infantry Regiment
  • Military Transition Team
Location
Coin Location: 2R8
Homebase: Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Deployment: Iraq
Additional Information
Date Acquired: Prior to 21 March 2008
Donated by: Unknown
Copies: 1 of 1

C001727

Location: 2R8 Height: 3

Coin: Unit - Deployment

Active » U.S. Army » Training

Narrative

Ace of Spades shaped, antique brass colored coin, 2 inches wide x 3 inches high.

SIDE 1 -

SIDE 2 -

The primary mission of transition teams is to advise the security forces of Iraq and Afghanistan in the areas of intelligence, communications, fire support, logistics, and infantry tactics. The aim is to make the ISF and ANA capable of conducting independent counterinsurgency operations, tactically, operationally, and logistically. When executing military operations with their Iraqi or Afghan partners, transition teams call for U.S. close air support, indirect fire, and medical evacuation, whenever necessary. They also perform the critical role of liaising between the foreign unit and nearby U.S. units to ensure that each unit is aware of and can assist the other in their operations. Transition teams also monitor and report on the capabilities of the fledgling security force. They work with their Iraqi and Afghan counterparts to enhance the understanding of the rule of law and fundamental human rights.

This coin was designed by LTC Paul J Finken, who was subsequently killed in action on Nov 2, 2006, for the 2006 -2008 deployment. LTC Finken was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, along with two others when an IED detonated near their vehicles. Only 50 of these coins were made.