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 Maj. Travis Mueller
B-roll: R2BWC three gun stress shoot
Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard
May 8, 2025 | 5:21
U.S. Soldiers competing in the Region II Best Warrior Competition fire M17 pistols, M500 shotguns and M4 carbines during a three-gun stress shooting event at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, May 7, 2025. These competing Soldiers come from the Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia National Guards and will be tested on various essential Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Travis Mueller)
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  • Immediate Response

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  • Saber Guardian

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Press Information

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