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 Spc. Armani Wilson
Iowa Army National Guard opens West Des Moines Readiness Center
Joint Force Headquarters - Iowa National Guard
May 13, 2025 | 1:46
Service members, state and local leaders, and community members attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new West Des Moines Readiness Center in West Des Moines, Iowa, May 7, 2025. The facility will house 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, and the 2168th Transportation Company, strengthening the Iowa National Guard’s readiness, training and emergency response capabilities. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Armani Wilson)
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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.