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 Jorge Gomez
The Badge & the Battlefield
Irwin Army Community Hospital
May 8, 2025 | 5:42
They come from different corners of Irwin Army Community Hospital—orthopedics, physical therapy, public health, biomedical repair—but they all share one goal: earning the Expert Field Medical Badge.

Follow these determined Soldiers as they take on one of the Army’s toughest skill challenges. Hear CPT Joseph Marcotte, a seasoned physical therapist, reflect on age, injury risk, and battlefield readiness. Meet SPC Kangle Lin, whose love of difficult challenges is matched only by his optimism. Watch SGT Alan Sanchez and SGT Jacob Brand return for their fifth and fourth attempts, driven by grit and a refusal to give up. And learn why SPC Cristian Núñez believes a biomedical tech’s greatest service might come in the chaos of combat. Watch now to meet the Soldiers chasing the badge that sets medics apart.

The EFMB tests Soldiers in tactical combat casualty care, land navigation, physical fitness, and warrior tasks under extreme stress and tight timelines. It’s a grueling, week-long evaluation of medical expertise and battlefield readiness that culminates in a timed 12-mile foot march.

Earning the badge isn’t easy. Historically, only 18 to 33 percent of candidates pass. But each of the Soldiers featured here is stepping forward with courage and purpose. Watch to find out what drives them—and what it really takes to wear the badge.

Music title "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.
More

Up Next

More Videos

What is happening where?

Redirecting...
  • Swift Response

    FinlandItalyLatviaLithuaniaNorwaySweden

  • 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.