The Meaning Behind Our Challenge Coins

Challenge coins have long served as symbols of shared purpose, earned trust, and collective responsibility. Within the Wisconsin Active Threat Training Association, our coins are not awards for standing apart - they are reminders of what we accomplish together.

 

MALUM PRAEVENIMUS PER DISCIPLINAM or “We prevent evil through discipline”

This phrase represents the heart of our mission for educators, trainers, speakers, and leaders. Evil is not prevented by chance, nor by fear, nor by ego. It is prevented through preparation.  Through discipline built from experience, wisdom, training, and the courage to share what we have learned with others. To own are mistakes and humbly share our successes. 
 

The message is simple: when we train with purpose and discipline, we encourage reflection, build confidence, and deny evil the advantage it seeks.
 

“Evil Is Powerless When We Are Unafraid”

Fear is often the tool evil relies upon most. Through shared knowledge, honest discussion, and disciplined preparation, fear loses its grip. This phrase serves as a reminder that courage is contagious and that preparedness transforms uncertainty into effective response, confidence, and life-saving tactics that change lives.  
 

DESTRUENTES MALUM or “Destroyer of evil”

This phrase honors those who run toward danger when others cannot. It recognizes law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and all who place themselves in harm’s way to confront violence directly. Their role is distinct, but never separate. Prevention and response are not opposing forces. Instead, they are parts of the same continuum.
 

Our WATTA and ATIRC coins are meant to be carried, displayed, and reflected upon. They symbolize unity across disciplines, agencies, and roles. No one stands alone in this work. We teach, we learn, we prepare, and we respond, together.

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Get a coin. Challenge yourself to be someone who changes the lives of people around them.