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 Sgt. Caleb Pautz
Rakkasans Case Colors for Europe Deployment
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Oct. 31, 2023 | 1:08
Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team (3rd BCT) “Rakkasans”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) case the unit colors in prior to deploying to Europe during a colors casing ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., Oct. 30, 2023. The Rakkasans will be deploying to Romania in support of U.S. allies in Eastern Europe and to deter Russian aggression. “At the end of November this brigade’s colors will be uncased in Romania,” said Col. Ricardo Turner, commander of 3rd BCT, during his address. “Once the cover on these colors is removed, that crisp and bright flag be revealed for all to see. It will provide illumination to an otherwise dark situation. It will provide hope to our allies. It will bring fear to our enemies and give inspiration to every Rakkasan soldier that serves under the banner of those colors.” U.S. Army video by Sgt. Caleb Pautz
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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.