steve pata
About Steve
Lieutenant Colonel Patà joined the Australian Regular Army in Melbourne as an Apprentice Vehicle Mechanic in 1984. He graduated from RMC in 1990 to the RACT and served in regimental and command appointments in 26 Tpt Sqn, LWC and the 6th Artillery Support Squadron (British Army) during EX LONG LOOK. In 1994 he was promoted and appointed Operations Officer of 26 Tpt Sqn.
In 1995 Lieutenant Colonel Patà transferred to the RACMP and was appointed OC 3 MP Coy. In 1996-1997 Lieutenant Colonel Patà was the OIC of the MP Investigation Section in Townsville and was instrumental in the security management and recovery operation after the 1996 Blackhawk Disaster. He transferred to the ARes in 1997 to pursue a career in the Queensland Police as a Detective. He remained active in the ARes holding command and staff appointments with QUR, HQ 7 Bde, 7 CSSB (OC Admin Coy), 4 MP Coy, 1 MP Bn and ADFIS.
As a Detective he managed, investigated and made arrests for serious crime including Homicide, Drug Trafficking and Manufacture, Fraud and Child Abuse. He has given evidence at trial in Magistrates, District, Supreme and Appellate Courts and holds an Advanced Diploma of Investigations. He was also appointed as a Close Personal Protection Officer where he planned and led protection tasks for Her Majesty The Queen, the Governor General of Australia and the Hon. John Howard. Lieutenant Colonel Patà was awarded the Queensland Police Long Service Medal and the Queensland Police Commissioned Officers Award for Leadership.
Lieutenant Colonel Patà has graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Policing. He returned to the ARA in January 2010 as Deputy Chief Instructor, WO and NCO Academy.
In 2012 Lieutenant Colonel Patà deployed as the Chief Key Leader Engagement, HQ Regional Command (South), Afghanistan where he was awarded the United States Bronze Star medal.
In 2013 Lieutenant Colonel Patà was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal Army. He agreed to break tenure at the request of DOCM and was appointed as the newly-created Provost Marshal JOC in 2014. In 2015 He graduated from Australian Command and Staff College with a Masters in Military and Defence Studies. In December 2015 Lieutenant Colonel Patà deployed as the Military Assistant to the Chief CJ3 in Headquarters Resolute Support, Afghanistan. On his return from Afghanistan in Jul 2016 he was appointed Staff Officer to the Chief of Staff Army Headquarters.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in December 2016 and appointed Staff Officer Grade One Army Communication. In 2019 he was made Chief of Staff Land Warfare Centre.
Lieutenant Colonel Patà is married to Lisa, who is completing a Health Science degree, and has two children, Samuel and Grace. He also has two older sons, David and John, from a previous marriage. His interests include Australian Rules Football, cooking and a broad selection of music.