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 Sgt. Joaquin Vasquez-Duran
Top Intelligence Soldier
207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater)
April 16, 2025 | 0:59
Soldiers from the 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion pushed through a physically demanding sticks lane during the Top Intelligence Competition in Vicenza, Italy, April 2025. Designed to test endurance, grit, and basic Soldier skills, the event reinforced what it means to be a Soldier first and an intelligence professional second to none.

“We try to design it as rigorous and physically challenging as possible. We’ve had one person throw up, so I think we’re on a pretty good pace right now.” — Sgt. Derrick Evans, Alpha Company, 522nd MI Battalion.

“The lane portion involves basic Soldier tasks… this is the portion that sets them as a Soldier, not just as an intelligence professional.” — SSG Davon Morin, Bravo Company, 522nd MI Battalion.

“Just like our creed says—we’re intelligence professionals, but Soldiers first. And intelligence professionals second to none.” — Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Braxton, Bravo Company, 522nd MI Battalion.
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.