2d MI BN, 66th MIB (T) Commander Coin

This coin is the Battalion Commander's coin for the Forward Collection Battalion in the 66th MI Brigade Theater, 2d MI BN "PHOENIX" Battalion. The Phoenix battalion is comprised of human intelligence and counterintelligence Soldiers and Civilians, operationally controlled by US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and 7th Army, headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany. The battalion and brigade fall under US Army Intelligence and Security Command for administrative functions. The first design of this coin was established in 2020 under the command team of LTC Ethan Weber and CSM Sandra Furman, and later designs of this coin are still in use today. The front of the coin displays the "Phoenix"- rising from the ashes under pressure. The shields on the wings are the BN crest, "EYES of INTELLIGENCE" and the corresponding phrase in Latin. The flags represent our allies and partners across Europe. The talons of the Phoenix are gripping the Bear, representing the deterrence of Russian aggression. The back of the coin displays the ranks of the BN CDR and CSM, along with the Latin phrase "OCULI CULTUS SECRETI"- EYES OF INTELLIGENCE (a nod to 2d MI's history as an aerial reconnaissance battalion). The banners on the Phoenix wings signify the core disciplines of human intelligence and counterintelligence. Around the shield are the names of the companies- Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Spartan), Alpha (Axe), and Bravo (Berserker). This battalion was instrumental in supporting our partners and allies in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.