Exercise Steele Tuff 1996.


                                                                                    MILITARY EXCELLENCE AWARD
                                                                                             9TH BATTALION
                                                                           THE ROYAL QUEENSLAND REGIMENT
                                                                                                  1996
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In 1996. the Association presented its first Award for 'Military Excellence" to 9 RQR in Brisbane. Nine members of the Association together with Member Major George Bagajluk, acknowledged the Military skills of A Section, Pioneer Platoon. Support Coy in the Battalion s annual “STEELE TUFF” COMPETITION.   

Each member of the winning section was presented with an attractive medallion featuring the badges of the PNGVR and 9 RQR. Major Bagajluk said that competition within the Battalion during “STEEL TUFF’ was extremely keen, and the Unit greatly appreciated the interest and support shown by the Association in encouraging todays young soldiers to excel at their military training.   

A Section consisted of - Cpl N P Kane: LCpl A D Marie: Pte D Feam: Pte S J Carey : Pte B M Westphal Pte L S McWaters: Pte G Sullivan: Pte J Munro and          Pte A W McLoughlin.       

We were privileged to be able to watch the Unit go through their various training exercises at Greenbank and on the firing range with the 5 56mm Steyr and the 5.56mm light machine gun.  Sorry but there was not a 303 or SLR in sight. Nevertheless, it was a most successful day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Lt. Col. R N McNab RFD Commanding Officer 9 RQR wrote to Colonel Green after the presentation -
"On behalf of 9th Battalion may I express my sincere thanks to you and your Association for the support given to our annual Steel Tuff' Competition.
The medallions presented to Corporal Kane and his section magnificently reflected their achievement and military excellence We are honoured to accept your support in this way and look forward to seeing you again next year."

Tom Dowling, Joe Fisk, Col Green, Harry Green MBE, Ed Hardy, Colin Gould, Barry Wright, George Bagajluk, Jesse Chee with the winning Section.
Above and below.   Association members enjoy firing the Steyr.
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Cpl Kane with his Medallion and trophy.
​Association members giving him a round of applause.
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Col Harry Green MBE presenting a Medallion. 
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​Joe Fisk presenting a Medallion.
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​Ed Hardy presents a Medallion.
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​Colin Hall presenting a Medallion.
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​Colin Gould presenting a Medallion.