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. Brendan Custer
MCRD Parris Island Video Portraits
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island
July 9, 2025 | 0:24
U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island pose for video portraits aboard MCRD PI, South Carolina, May 14 and 21, 2025. Since 1915, MCRD PI has been the location where Marines are made and are instilled with the institutional core vales of honor, courage, and commitment. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Staff Sgt Brendan Custer) This B-Roll package includes the following: Sgt. Jason Saxon, a rifleman with Weapons and Field Training Battalion Rct. Lucas Stanton, a recruit with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion Rct. Aaron Westfall, a recruit with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion Staff Sgt. Eduardo Iniguez, a Senior Drill Instructor with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taykowski, a Senior Drill Instructor with 3rd Recruit Training Battalion
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What is happening where?

Redirecting...
  • Swift Response

    FinlandItalyLatviaLithuaniaNorwaySwedenSlovenia

  • Immediate Response

    AlbaniaBulgariaCroatiaGreeceKosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaSlovakia

  • Saber Guardian

    CzechiaGermanyHungaryRomaniaSlovakia

Press Information

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