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

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Video by Scott Sturkol
Fort McCoy Public Affairs officer gives remarks after retiring with 30 years of service
Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office
April 1, 2025 | 3:06
Former Fort McCoy Public Affairs Officer Tonya Townsell gives comments March 27, 2025, during her retirement ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis. Townsell served 30 years in Army Public Affairs as a Soldier and as an Army civilian serving in positions in Europe and the United States. Eleven of her 30 years was serving in uniform as a Soldier. Townsell was the Public Affairs Officer for Fort McCoy for nearly a decade. (U.S. Army Audio by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.