DEFENDER 25 Outreach tour

 

 

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 Infographic

Videos
Video by Staff Sgt. Katharine Schmidt
Away From Home Podcast: Episode 3
135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
April 8, 2025 | 18:29
In this limited podcast series, 135th MPAD Soldiers interviewed Soldiers and their families to talk about their experiences as they prepare for their time "Away From Home" while serving in the Iowa National Guard.

This episode features Sgt. 1st. Class Shawn-Taylor and her husband, 1st Sgt. Scott, who reside in Waukee, Iowa. Shawn-Taylor has been serving in the IANG for 15 years and has deployed once and Scott has been serving for 22 years and has deployed twice. The McConnells shared their stories and lessons learned from their time away from each other throughout their careers.

Shawn-Taylor’s Deployments:
Kosovo, 2020-2021 - Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division

Scott’s Deployments:
Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, 2010-2011- Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment
Iraq, 2021- 734th Regional Support Group

(U.S. Army National Guard podcast by Staff Sgt. Katharine Schmidt)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.