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 Staff Sgt. Dennis Buzard
2025 DOD Warrior Games - U.S. Army Retired Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escabedo
Army Recovery Care Program
July 26, 2025 | 1:07
U.S. Army Retired Sgt. 1st Class Henry Escobedo tells the story of his experience losing his vision and becoming involved in adaptive sports and competes in the 2025 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 25, 2025. Men and women from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command are competing in the following adaptive sports: archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Dennis Buzard)
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  • Immediate Response

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  • Saber Guardian

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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.