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 Jorge Gomez
The Badge & the Gauntlet
Irwin Army Community Hospital
May 19, 2025 | 6:06
The journey to the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge begins with sweat, grit—and no turning back. At Camp Funston on Fort Riley, eight Soldiers from Irwin Army Community Hospital launched into the first event of EFMB testing: the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment (EPFA).

From sprinting and lifting to crawling and climbing, the EPFA is designed to test their limits—and expose their heart.Follow SPC Kangle Lin as he powers through pain with the words: “Let it burn... one distance at a time.”Hear CPT Joseph Marcotte, a physical therapist and candidate, share his insight: “Don’t underestimate anything.”

With land navigation, trauma lanes, and a 12-mile ruck still ahead, these Soldiers are pushing for expert status, one brutal challenge at a time.

Music title "Rites of Passage 2" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.