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 Lance Cpl. Maksim Masloboev
Hamahiga Island Memorial 2025 | B-Roll
Marine Corps Installations Pacific
June 25, 2025 | 1:59
U.S. Marines and Japanese citizens gather to pay respects during a Battle of Okinawa Memorial Day ceremony on Hamahiga Island, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2025. The first memorial is dedicated to the island residents who lost their lives during the Battle, while the second memorial recognizes U.S. Marine Corps Col. Kermit Shelly, the commanding officer of 3rd Force Service Regiment from March 1967 until his death in June 1968. Shelly had a profound impact on the restoration of the local community and his most notable efforts include the construction of an elementary school, middle school, church, community hall, multiple private residences and the island’s water reservoir. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Masloboev)
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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.