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
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Video by Payton King
MIL Talk: Abrams M240 coax ammo feeder prototype
Fort Benning Public Affairs Office
June 25, 2025 | 3:40
Capt. Eston Smith showcases M240 coax ammo feeder prototypes at a Maneuver Innovation Lab open house May 13, 2025 on Fort Benning, Georgia. The ammo feeder seeks to reduce the likelihood of ammo jams, ultimately enhancing the reliability of the Abrams M240 coax system across the force. The concept was submitted to the Design, Innovation, Research, and Technology (DIRT) Lab by a Fort Benning Soldier, exemplifying the lab's commitment to supporting Soldier-driven solutions.

Since its opening in February 2025, the MIL has become a hub for collaboration, uniting Soldiers, academics, and industry leaders to solve real-world challenges. A partnership between the Maneuver Center of Excellence’s Maneuver Battle Lab, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), the Civil-Military Innovation Institute, Columbus State University, and Auburn University, the lab fosters creativity and problem-solving through access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and expertise.
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Fort BenningTRADOCManeuver Center of ExcellenceM1 Abrams SeriesDEVCOMManeuver Innovation Lab
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MIL Talk: Abrams M240 coax ammo feeder prototype
MIL Talk: Abrams M240 coax ammo feeder prototype
1-127th Infantry firing mortars at Fort McCoy WI.
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2:01
1-127th Infantry firing mortars at Fort McCoy WI.
1-127th Infantry firing mortars at Fort McCoy WI.
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2:34
1-127th Infantry firing mortars at Fort McCoy WI.
F35A Lightning II Marines aircraft at Fort McCoy
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F35A Lightning II Marines aircraft at Fort McCoy
F35A Lightning II Marines aircraft at Fort McCoy
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F35A Lightning II Marines aircraft at Fort McCoy
Fort Knox B.O.S.S. holds inaugural Best Barracks Competition
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Fort Knox B.O.S.S. holds inaugural Best Barracks Competition
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 7
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3:08
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 7
Actor Gary Sinise discusses Lt. Dan Band mission, creation during Fort McCoy concert, Part 2
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6:24
Actor Gary Sinise discusses Lt. Dan Band mission, creation during Fort McCoy concert, Part 2
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 6
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3:49
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 6
NFL Player Joins Military Kids to Get Moving
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1:15
NFL Player Joins Military Kids to Get Moving
Fort Peck Interpretive Center marks 20th anniversary with decade-high attendance
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4:42
Fort Peck Interpretive Center marks 20th anniversary with decade-high attendance
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 4
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3:36
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 4
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 3
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3:08
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 3
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 2
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2:13
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 2
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 1
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3:55
Lt. Dan Band plays during concert at Fort McCoy, Part 1
Fort Bliss Leadership reflects on FMWR "Pop Goes the Fort" celebration -- It's Better at Bliss
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1:15
Fort Bliss Leadership reflects on FMWR "Pop Goes the Fort" celebration -- It's Better at Bliss
CSM Campbell retirement
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49:12
CSM Campbell retirement
418th FLTS conducts nighttime airborne operations training with "Tarantulas"
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418th FLTS conducts nighttime airborne operations training with "Tarantulas"
418th FLTS conducts nighttime airborne operations training with "Tarantulas"
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1:29
418th FLTS conducts nighttime airborne operations training with "Tarantulas"
Capt. Mix Interview After Race
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3:43
Capt. Mix Interview After Race
Actor Gary Sinise discusses Lt. Dan Band mission, creation during Fort McCoy concert
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0:56
Actor Gary Sinise discusses Lt. Dan Band mission, creation during Fort McCoy concert
Fort McCoy senior commander, garrison CSM, welcome Lt. Dan Band to Fort McCoy for performance
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1:45
Fort McCoy senior commander, garrison CSM, welcome Lt. Dan Band to Fort McCoy for performance
Wisconsin Army National Guard Trains at Fort Bliss
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5:12
Wisconsin Army National Guard Trains at Fort Bliss
Spotlight on the 10th Mountain Division K-9 Unit
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5:58
Spotlight on the 10th Mountain Division K-9 Unit
15 July 2025 Power Outage
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15 July 2025 Power Outage
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Event Open Video
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Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Event Open Video
Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment, 197th Infantry Brigade Buddy Team Tactics EPK
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Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment, 197th Infantry Brigade Buddy Team Tactics EPK
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade OSUT Graduation EPK
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4:11
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade OSUT Graduation EPK
Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group Relief and Appointment Ceremony B-Roll Package
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6:38
Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group Relief and Appointment Ceremony B-Roll Package
CSM Campbell retirement remarks
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17:57
CSM Campbell retirement remarks
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