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 Cpl. Christopher Prelle
SMMC Tuesday Sunset Parade
Marine Barracks Washington
July 2, 2025 | 0:43
U.S. Marines march and perform during a Sunset Parade at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, June 17, 2025. The parade was held to honor all noncommissioned officers of Marine Barracks Washington and across the Marine Corps. The event was hosted by the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, in honor of Sgt. Maj. Justin Lehew (Ret.), a Navy Cross recipient and CEO of History Flight, Inc. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Christopher Prelle)
More

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.