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 Sgt. Israel Sheber
Recruiting Station Lansing Poolees meet Drill Instructors
4th Marine Corps District
April 15, 2025 | 0:30
U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station Lansing, 4th Marine Corps District, conducts a poolee function at Gaylord, Michigan, Nov. 16, 2024. Drill instructors from Parris Island, South Carolina, volunteered their time to help poolees mentally and physically prepare for the rigors of recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Israel Sheber)
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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.