Personnel from the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers (HRL) converged from across the area in support of 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) based in Brisbane for a month of drills at the Shoalwater Bay Training area.

The 12/16 HRL and 2nd/14th will be involved in complex live fire manoeuvres to exercise the units in a combined arms fight over four weeks.

The training is designed to assess the 12/16 HRL personnel in realistic live fire situations, and to practice integration into 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QMI).

Operations Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Class 2 Tyrone Cashin said when they trained with the 2nd/14th during Exercise Koster River, on Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV), the exposure to working with the full-time soldiers was invaluable.

“This is an extremely rare opportunity that we have been privileged to have experienced,” he said.

“We have learnt new skills and met new people but have solidified and put into practice the cavalry scout skills we already know.”

WO2 Cashin said highlights were participating in live fire activities with the ASLAVs and their crewman and working within a full-time ASLAV troop.

“It was a fantastic experience,” he admitted.

“Once we introduced ourselves to the full-time members within the troop, we had familiarisation training with the ASLAV and weapon systems and we rehearsed our standard operating procedures together as one team.

“Army reserve cavalry scouts are being utilised by the full-time Armoured Cavalry Regiments around Australia and this will continue to happen into the future.”

The unit has members currently serving on active duty overseas on OP TAJI (Iraq) and OP RESOLUTE (border protection) and personnel who participate in the month-long exercise will become certified to deploy if required.

The 12th/16th HRL are recruiting new members in Armidale, Muswellbrook and Tamworth, so if you would like to become involved or have questions about joining, contact Roger Edwards on 6766 1285.