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

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Video by Cpl. Earik Barton
B-Roll: U.S. Marines conduct embassy reinforcement, military assisted departure during Steel Knight 24
1st Marine Division
Dec. 9, 2024 | 3:23
241206-M-HW569-2001 

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force conduct an embassy reinforcement and military assisted departure as part of Steel Knight 24 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2024. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that takes place in multiple locations across the Southwest that allows I MEF to train as a full Marine Air-Ground Task Force and better integrate with joint and naval forces. The exercise also certifies 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, to be forward-postured in Australia as part of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, a six-month deployment during which Marines train with Australian allies and facilitate rapid response to crises and contingencies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Earik Barton)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.