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 Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin, Sgt. Kedrick Schumacher
Lt. Col. Pete Ortiz talks about his father's actions during World War II
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa
Nov. 28, 2024 | 5:08
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Pete Ortiz, retired, speaks about his father's actions during the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France celebration in Les Saisies, France, Aug. 1, 2024. In 1943, Ortiz's father, Col. Peter Ortiz, led a team of Marines into German-controlled territory to arm and train French resistance fighters as part of an OSS mission titled Union II. The mission ultimately ended with the surrender of the OSS team to protect the town of Centron from retaliation. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin and Sgt. Kedrick Schumacher)
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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.