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. Jerry Zuetrong
Army Reserve Sgt. Brain Heisey says 'Compete and let it all out there'
Army Reserve Medical Command
March 30, 2025 | 0:40
Army Reserve Sgt. Brian Heisey, a medical logistics specialist from the Nashville, Tenn. based Southeast Medical Area Readiness Support Group, encourages Soldiers to participate and do their best in the Best Squad Competition hosted by the Pinellas Park, Fla. based Army Reserve Medical Command and Gillem Enclave, Ga. based 3rd Theater Medical Command at Fort McCoy, Wis. on March 29, 2025. The top performing Soldiers from both AR-MEDCOM and the 3rd TMC will be formed into one squad per their respective commands in preparation for the Army Reserve-level Best Squad Competition hosted by the Fort Bragg, N.C. based U.S. Army Reserve Command this summer. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Sgt. Jerry T. Zuetrong)
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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.