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 Capt. Jennifer French
REMARKS: “The Rock” Welcomes New Commander During Change of Command Ceremony in Vicenza
173rd Airborne Brigade
June 16, 2025 | 10:32
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade watch as outgoing 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment commander Lt. Col. Sheldon E. Broedel and incoming commander Lt. Col. William T. Freakley deliver remarks during a change of command ceremony at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, June 12, 2025. The ceremony marked the official transfer of leadership for “The Rock.”

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

(U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.