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. Kedrick Schumacher
U.S. Marines, French, German Service Members honor fallen Marines at Iron Mike Memorial in Belleau Wood
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa
May 27, 2025 | 7:17
U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, 1st Marine Division, and French and German service members hold a memorial ceremony at the Marine Memorial in Belleau Wood, France, May 25, 2025. The Marine Memorial, "Iron Mike" ceremony was held in commemoration of the 107th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Kedrick Schumacher)
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Redirecting...
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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.