87 2017 During the course of 2017 the Battery deployed its members to Exercise Talisman Sabre, held in Shoalwater Bay in which they performed well as part of a multinational scenario to drive the enemy back. The battery’s commitment was providing fire support, but due to the sheer number of people on the range and in the interest of safety the emphasis was given to establishing a digital link. This resulted in a dry practice, but the core skills and basics were still trained through realistic war-like scenarios. Battlefield updates were given regularly and although it was a dry practice the response had a real time effect on the ground, facilitated by safety supervisors and umpires. The Battery also deployed to Cultana were it integrated with 1 CER and 5 RAR to establish interoperability in core roles and responsibilities. As a part of 1 Brigade, the Battery was expected to be prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice, being part of that year’s online brigade. The exercise was able to achieve multiple outcomes involving direct fire, small arms practice and weapons qualification shoots. 8/12 Regiment as a whole also hosted Gunner Bear – a charity event that raises funds for paediatric care. 104.1 Territory FM covered the event on the 20th October and it saw the Regiment haul an M2A2 by hand some 16 kilometres to the Royal Darwin Hospital. The sweltering heat of the time proved to be a challenge, but through quick changes the Regiment as a whole managed to get the job done in quick time, doing their part for children in need! The Regiment didn’t only raise money, but they also hosted a PT event for the families and wider community in which children were encouraged to participate in an array of fun military activities. These included minor obstacles, as well as a gun race conducted by the soldiers and the day ended with a well-earned barbeque.
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