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 Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger
Woodruff takes charge of Ohio National Guard during change of command ceremony
Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
June 6, 2025 | 2:15
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., outgoing Ohio adjutant general, transfers authority and responsibility as head of the Ohio National Guard to Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, incoming Ohio adjutant general, during a change of command ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, May 30, 2025. Following the change of command, Maj. Gen. Harris officially retired after 44 years of military service to begin his new state government role as director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)
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Press Information

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