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 Staff Sgt. Jacob Holmes, Spc. sara shultz
What is the Caisson Detachment
3d U.S. Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard”
April 8, 2025 | 3:15
The Caisson Detachment of the U.S. Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is one of the most iconic pieces of U.S. military history, serving as the mounted escort to our nation’s fallen.

The Caisson is authorized for Military funeral honors with escort for all Medal of Honor recipients, those who were prisoners of war (POWs) or who were killed in action (KIA), officers O-4 and above, and service members who attained the most senior enlisted and warrant officer ranks. The Caisson is also authorized for all state funerals.
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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.