DEFENDER is the Army’s largest annual opportunity to exercise moving personnel and equipment into theater across modes for initial and follow-on operations critical to Large Scale Combat Operations. Led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the exercise focuses on the strategic deployment of CONUS-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stock and follow-on exercises demonstrating lethality and interoperability with Allies and partners

DEFENDER 25 Outreach tour
DEFENDER 25 Infographic

Videos
Video by Spc. Jessica Barb
166th regiment valley forge staff ride
Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard
June 15, 2024 | 0:24
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute, Pennsylvania National Guard attend a guided tour around Valley Forge National Historical Park at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, June 8, 2024. Tours like this, known as staff rides, help educate Soldiers on their military lineage. Valley Forge is the site of the Continental encampment for the Americans during the Revolutionary War in 1777-1778 and is now a national park. During the tour, Soldiers visited multiple monuments, stopping at many different locations to have open discussions and learn the timeline of Valley Forge. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Jessica Barb)
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  • Saber Guardian

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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.