They are a symbol of achievement, commitment and comradeship.
And they are a badge of honour for those who give and receive them.
Originating from World War One, Challenge Coins were “struck” and handed out to members of a unit to help identify them to other friendly forces if they became separated from their comrades.
Over the decades since, they have not only fulfilled their original purpose but have become a form of recognition and respect within different services and armed forces across the world.
That said, the tradition of presenting and exchanging Challenge Coins is little known outside of the military, even if the meaning and significance of them would be easily recognised by the wider community.
Which is where ex-members of the armed forces, many of those currently serving as reservists, come in.
For it’s just not active service people who receive Challenge Coins as a reward for their service or present them to their colleagues as a memento of mateship.
The tradition is now being extended into corporate life, not just amongst veterans but also to people throughout organisations in recognition of their contribution to team spirit, collaboration and leadership.
Amongst those companies are CBA with its new Challenge Coin being the latest initiative of its Veterans Employee Network (VEN).
Established just over a year ago, the CommBank VEN provides a platform to identify and support efforts that contribute to the well-being and professional development of military veterans and their spouse and/or partners within the Group.
It also aims to foster a means for veterans to contribute to the culture and effectiveness of CBA through the unique perspectives they have gained through their military service.
Having been a recipient and giver of Challenge Coins in his long years of service in the ADF and corporates, inaugural CommBank VEN chair Dan Liddell saw an opportunity to extend the same sense of resoluteness and support to colleagues and customers of the bank.
“The CBA Challenge Coin is more than a token—it’s a symbol of shared service, unity, and gratitude,” he says. “It marks the journey of those who stand together in support of our veteran and defence community.”
The size of a classic medallion-style medal, CBA’s Challenge Coin is emblazoned on one side with the bank’s “Beacon” logo and displays our purpose “Building a Brighter Future for All”. On the reverse, it shows the VEN badge and carries CBA’s values: Care, Courage and Commitment.
Members of VEN’s Council have been given a select number of coins to hand out to people who best represent the bank’s values and, more broadly, those of the ADF.
Adds Dan Liddell: “Whether earned through membership or gifted in recognition, each coin tells a story of commitment, camaraderie, and contribution to a greater purpose.”
