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 Cpl. Grace Stover
1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division Change of Command 2025
2nd Marine Division
Feb. 27, 2025 | 49:59
U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division participate in a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 24, 2025. The ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. William T. Kerrigan to Lt. Col. Joseph A. Fontanetta. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Grace Stover)
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What is happening where?

Redirecting...
  • Swift Response

    FinlandItalyLatviaLithuaniaNorwaySwedenSlovenia

  • Immediate Response

    AlbaniaBulgariaCroatiaGreeceKosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaSlovakia

  • Saber Guardian

    CzechiaGermanyHungaryRomaniaSlovakia

Press Information

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