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. 1st Class Justin Hardin
GR2025 Columbus Regional Health
84th Training Command
June 7, 2025 | 1:42
Army Master Sgt. Robert Maddaloni, the Chief on Ground NCOIC of Guardian Response 2025 describes the training exercise, May 13, 2025, Columbus, IN. Guardian Response 2025 is a large-scale training exercise held yearly at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, IN, aimed at preparing U.S. Soldiers to respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats and hazards within the United States. The Exercise evaluates Soldier's Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA) response capabilities to ensure Soldier readiness as America's first line of defense. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. 1st Class Justin Hardin)
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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.