An ideal battery of electromotive force \(\mathcal{E} = 24 \text{ V}\) is connected in series with a resistor \(R_1 = 4.0 \text{ }\Omega\), and this combination is connected across two parallel branches. The first branch contains a switch \(S_1\) in series with a resistor \(R_2 = 8.0 \text{ }\Omega\), and the second branch contains a switch \(S_2\) in series with a resistor \(R_3 = 8.0 \text{ }\Omega\). Initially, switch \(S_1\) is closed and switch \(S_2\) is open. Switch \(S_2\) is then also closed. What is the total electric current supplied by the battery after switch \(S_2\) is closed?