DEFENDER 25 Outreach tour

 

 

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 Infographic

Videos
Video by Jorge Gomez
Unforgiving Terrain
Irwin Army Community Hospital
Feb. 14, 2024 | 12:51
The competition's 12-mile ruck march had a secret weapon: hidden hills that brought even the fittest competitors to their knees.

CPL Ivan Gaona, leading the pack, saw his sub-2:30 dream crushed by the relentless incline. Many, overconfident in their 3-hour target, found their plans derailed by the unforgiving terrain.

But amidst the disappointment, heroes emerged. SPC Elizabeth Engle, a Soldier facing her first 12-miler clocked in at 2:59 - one agonizing second from a "no go." Her story, along with others who conquered the impossible, shines a light on the true meaning of leadership: rising above, adapting, and never giving up.

Don't forget to show your support for these incredible competitors.

Music titles "Into the Unknown" and "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.
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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.