RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 51 pressure have been instrumental in maintaining the smooth delivery of training. You are a trusted mentor to trainees and a most reliable instructor to your peers, setting the standard for instructional delivery through both knowledge and physical presence. Your efforts directly contribute to the development of fit and capable soldiers who are ready to provide reliable artillery support in their future Regiments. Your outstanding commitment to Service enhances the reputation of the School of Artillery and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army. MATTNER AWARD FOR RAA GUNNER OF THE YEAR 2025 Gunner Nathan James Gabriel Guillermo – 8th/12th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery The professionalism of Gunner Guillermo is always at the highest mark, and was seen and commented on throughout the year, however, was really on show when he was a Tagalog Linguist for Joint Training Team Philippines and on Exercise Alon 2025. He is a natural leader who displays the ability to rally soldiers when needed, he is looked up to by younger soldiers and appreciated by his peers and CoC to always get the task done that he has been given. He upholds the highest standards of soldierly conduct and personal integrity. He is disciplined, dependable, and consistently sets the tone for professional behaviour among his peers. His calm temperament under pressure and respectful approach to problem solving have earned him the confidence of both supervisors (this was demonstrated on JTAPP and EX Alon). He is a soldier others willingly follow. Has had nil discipline issues throughout 2024 - 2025 Throughout the year he was a Gun Detachment member performing to the highest level, Gunner Guillermo also displayed excellent linguistic skills as the Land Mobile Training Team Tagalog Linguist in Fort Magsaysay, Philippines. During the deployment, Gunner Guillermo was required to translate technical artillery training from Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers to their Armed Forces of the Philippines counterparts. Despite not being formally trained in many of the concepts discussed, Gunner Guillermo was able to enable effective communication between instructors and their audience. The Training Team Leader relied on Gunner Guillermo to translate complex ideas concerning joint fires and effects planning to high-ranking Filipino Officers, a daunting task for a junior soldier. Through his exceptional grasp of Tagalog, and with a comprehension of artillery concepts well beyond his rank and experience, Gunner Guillermo enabled the team to communicate their lessons. The Training Team's leadership observed Gunner Guillermo effectively integrating with Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, many of whom significantly outranked him. This built a strong trust between the training team and their audience, one that may have otherwise struggled without Gunner Guillermo's efforts. In doing so, Gunner Guillermo has improved the reputation of 1 Brigade and Defence Cooperation Program - Philippines amongst their Filipino counterparts. Gunner Guillermo once again deployed to the Philippines on Exercise ALON as an Artillery Gunner. During this deployment, Gunner Guillermo's Gun Troop was required to transit by road between Clark Air Force Base, Fort Magsaysay, and Subic Bay. The length and weight of the M777A2 often caused issues with traffic. During each instance the convoy paused, Gunner Guillermo was employed by the Battery Captain to directly liaise with local civilians and police. Gunner Guillermo achieved this to an excellent standard. He employed his knowledge of local customs, his deep understanding of Tagalog, and appreciation of commander's intent to solve problems well beyond his rank and experience. Gunner Guillermo also applied these skills during the live fire activity, assisting his command team integrate with the Filipino’s artillery units. In doing so, Gunner Guillermo preserved the Gun Troop's relationship with Filipino authorities and enabled the team to achieve their overall mission, providing indirect fires in the Australian Defence Force's largest overseas activity for 2025. Gunner Guillermo’s performance enabled the 1st (Australian) Division to improve joint fires interoperability with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and establish an excellent rapport with elements of the Filipino state authorities. Gunner Guillermo's excellent performance on activities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines has had an impact well beyond his typical influence as an Artillery Gunner. Elements of the Royal Australian Artillery effectively integrated with Filipino forces in 2025, including the first live fire of Australian artillery guns in the Philippines. Gunner Guillermo was instrumental in enabling these
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