In the center of the challenge coin is the insignia of the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade (Corps) (Airborne), of which the 519th Military Intelligence Battalion is a part. This insignia consists of a shield with two rows of five squares each at the top. Below the checkered squares a lightning bolt goes diagonally across from the upper left down towards the lower right. A curved banner above the top of the shield says "AIRBORNE". Above the banner is a five point star in a feather wreath. Behind and to either side of this coat of arms is what may be a feathered wreath. Curving up and around this insignia is a legend which says "PANAMA", "VIETNAM", "SWA", "GRENADA" and "HAITI".

The legend along the upper edge of the medal says "LRS", "EW", "SPT", "CI" and "IPW". "LRS" stands for "Long range Reconnaissance and Surveillance", "EW" for "Electronic Warfare", "SPT" for "Support", "CI" for "Counter-Intelligence" and "IPW" for "Interrogation of Prisoners-of-War". Along the bottom edge of the medal it says "519th MI BN (TE) (ABN)". The "TE" stands for "Tactical Exploitation" and the "ABN" means "Airborne". The coin has a smooth plain raised edge, and a plain and smooth background.

The upper half of the challenge coin has three badges. On the upper left is a parachute with feathered wings. This is the badge of a Parachutist. In the center is another parachute with feathered wings. This one has a five point star with a feather wreath on top of the parachute. This is the badge of a Master Parachutists. On the upper right is a helicopter with feathered wings. This is the Air Assault badge. The lower half of the medal has the coat of arms of the 519th Military Intelligence Battalion. It consists of a shield with a sphinx in front of an open book. Behind the book is a globe. On a banner under the shield is the motto "STRENGTH THRU INTELLIGENCE".

Along the upper edge of the medal it says "STRENGTH THRU INTELLIGENCE". Along the bottom edge of the medal it says "519th MI BATTALION (TE) (ABN)". The coin has a smooth plain raised edge, and a plain and smooth background.

The 519th Military Intelligence Battalion was activated on October 1, 1948 at Fort Riley, Kansas. It is a part of the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade (Corps) (Airborne). The mission of the 519th MI Battalion is long range reconnaissance and surveillance, interrogation of enemy prisoners-of-war, and counterintelligence support. During Operation Just Cause, 519th MI Battalion soldiers interrogated key Panamanian Defense Force members and screened documents as well as performed other duties.