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
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Video by Scott Sturkol
UH-60 Black Hawk crews support slingload training at Fort McCoy, Part 5
Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office
June 2, 2025 | 1:04
Helicopter crews with the Wisconsin National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment take turns with UH-60 Black Hawks for slingload training with the Army Reserve’s 13th Battalion, 100th Regiment on May 22, 2025, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The training was part of refresher training for members of the 13th, 100th. Fort McCoy often supports slingload training through the 89B Ammunition Supply Course. All related training like this generally is held at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport. (U.S. Army Video by Scott T. Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.