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. Nickson Schenk
K9 Veterans Day - Military working dog Tomas retires
8th Theater Sustainment Command
March 13, 2025 | 0:59
U.S. Army Spc. Bryant Olartes, a military working dog handler assigned to the 520th Military Police Detachment (Military Working Dog), 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, shares his thoughts about military working dog Tomas and the MWD's upcoming retirement on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Mar. 10, 2025. After two and half years together, Olartes and Tomas have built a special bond, but, as Tomas retires, the duo splits so the Tomas can finally relax with a happy family. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Nickson Schenk; music - 190117-chill/japan/calm/simple/nostalgic by WELC0MEИ0 / HomeMadeGarbage SoundTracks)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.