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 Elisha Smith
OS1 Travis Wyatt Interviews for Warrior Games
Navy Wounded Warrior
June 9, 2023 | 2:46
230530-N-MR124-1003 SAN DIEGO (May 30, 2023) Retired Operations Specialist First ClassTravis “Jigsaw” Wyatt, from San Diego, interviews for his DoD Warrior Games athlete profile at Balboa Hospital Gym, May 30, 2023. The DoD Warrior Games Challenge is composed of over 200 wounded, ill and injured service member and veteran athletes competing in 11 adaptive sporting events June 2 - 12, 2023, at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Elisha Smith)

Team Navy is part of Navy Wounded Warrior's adaptive athletics program, which is open to service members in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard with serious, non-combat or combat-related injuries and physical or psychological illnesses. Recovering Service Members rebuild their strength and endurance, while also drawing inspiration from their teammates. Sports also help build self-esteem, lower stress levels and invite service members to rejoin a team environment. All enrollees in Navy Wounded Warrior are encouraged to include adaptive athletics in their recovery plans. Participation is voluntary and requires Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to self-refer or be referred by their commands, chaplains, medical team, peers or others for enrollment determination. Connect by phone at 855-NAVY-WWP (855-628-9997) or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.
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What is happening where?

Redirecting...
  • Swift Response

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  • 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.