The command coin drought is over.
After a year and a half suspension, skippers can once again use appropriated funds to purchase challenge coins and "presentation items" for sailors and others — a sign the budget picture may be brightening just a bit.
Still, the new rules limit who can spend the appropriated money and dispense these tokens and require commanding officers to account for any give-aways. (The rules do not restrict any coins or mementos bought by the CO personally.)
"In May 2013, the Navy issued a NAVADMIN suspending the use of appropriated funds to purchase command coins and other items for presentation until further notice," said Navy spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Flaherty. "At that time we were operating under sequestration of funds. Once an appropriation and budget were in place, Navy began the process of reevaluating spending guidance."
Adm. Michelle Howard, the vice chief of naval operations, approved the command coin rules in an Aug. 15 naval message, telling COs to "proceed on a judicious basis."
"Commanders must balance the need to formally recognize excellence in performance of duty with the continuing imperative to conserve scarce fiscal resources," the message said.
The message, NAVADMIN 184/14, is specific as to who can use appropriated Navy funds to purchase coins and mementos: stating only the "Chief of Naval Operations; Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Director, Navy Staff; Chief of Naval Personnel; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy; and officers serving as unit commanders."
Navy officials said unit commanders refers to only COs and doesn't include officers in charge, command master chiefs or flag officers not in command.
The rules aren't limited only to coins. They also apply to items like plaques and ball caps purchased with official funds.
The message stresses that coins bought with government funds are only to be used in limited capacities, such as part of official proceedings like awards ceremonies.
"These coins may not be presented solely as mementos, to improve morale, as tokens of appreciation, or to recognize expected service," Howard wrote in the message. "Personally funded items, including personalized items may be used for this purpose if in good taste."
A formal Navy funded coin or memento, she said, is only rated for "outstanding performance, specific achievement, or a unique achievement contributing to unit effectiveness."
"These items will normally be presented during officially organized and announced unit and/or individual recognition ceremonies."
And with the new rules come more paperwork.
Each giveaway must be fully accounted for and is likely to be periodically audited. ■
Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.
