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. William Horsley
Legacy: A 9/11 Story
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island
Sept. 11, 2023 | 6:40
On September 11, 2001, New York Police Department Detective Joesph Vigiano, was killed attempting to rescue those trapped in the World Trade Center.
Joseph Vigiano left behind three boys--Joey, Jimmy, and John. Joey Vigiano and Jimmy Vigiano each served in the Marine Corps and are now both NYPD police officers.
John Vigiano is the last of his three brothers to enlist in the Marine Corps and is currently going through recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in hopes of continuing his family’s legacy. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Lance Cpl. William Horsley)
More

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.