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 2nd Lt. Logan Grayson
Air National Guard Arctic Training - Cold Weather Operations Course
148th Fighter Wing
Feb. 10, 2025 | 3:27
70 airmen representing 37 Air National Guard wings in 27 states and the 3rd Canadian Division's Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, 38th Brigade Group, attended Arctic Training, called the Cold Weather Operations Course, at the Minnesota National Guard's Camp Ripley Training Center, Minn., Jan. 27, 2025, to Feb. 8, 2025. Students participated in a six-day, five-night Field Training Exercise entirely outside, where they moved by foot in subzero temperatures, on snow, using land navigational skills to build camps featuring 10-man artic tents or thermal shelters made from scratch with materials found in nature. Students were comprised mostly of Security Forces specialists, but also included a Maintenance Group Commander, Physician Assistant, Cyber Communications Specialist, and Public Affairs Specialist. The CWOC teaches services members to conduct mission-essential taskings in cold environments in the Arctic and around the globe. (U.S. Air National Guard video by 2nd Lt. Logan Grayson)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.