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 Lance Cpl. Janell Alvarez
Kilo Company MCMAP test
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego
Aug. 14, 2025 | 4:54
U.S. Marine Corps martial arts instructors with Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, oversees recruits with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conducting a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, July 24, 2025. MCMAP builds the mental and moral resilience of recruits and Marines through realistic combative training and physical conditioning upholding the 250-year legacy of Marines as warriors first. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)
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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.