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 Sgt. Ryan Acosta
Full throttle to the South Carolina National Guard at Darlington Raceway
South Carolina National Guard
April 6, 2025 | 0:34
Fifteen South Carolina Army National Guard Recruiting Sustainment Program members were sworn into the Army National Guard during a NASCAR pre-race enlistment ceremony on the infield of historic Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, April 6, 2025. The oath of enlistment was administered by U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Moser, commander of Bravo Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeff Jones, deputy adjutant general of South Carolina, was also in attendance. The pre-race ceremony was hosted by Darlington Raceway to formally recognize and welcome the newest members of the South Carolina Army National Guard as they begin their military journey. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jimmy Townsend, Recruiting and Retention Battalion)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.