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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Savannah Hardesty
IWO ARG - 22nd MEU Exercises Ability to Conduct Non-combatant Evacuation Operations during ARGMEUEX
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
May 28, 2025 | 1:59
ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 28, 2025) Sailors and Marines onboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) participate in a simulated non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) in preparation for their upcoming deployment. The combined Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team’s ability to conduct a NEO is one of its most critical missions which ensures the rapid evacuation of U.S. citizens and designated personnel from potentially hostile environments around the globe. The Iwo Jima ARG-MEU team is underway executing ARGMEUEX which prepares integrated naval task forces for sustained, high-end Joint and combined combat. Integrated naval training provides combatant commanders and the Commander-in-Chief highly capable forces that deter adversaries, underpin American security and economic prosperity, and reassure Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy Video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Savannah Hardesty)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.