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 Davide Dalla Massara
Italian Base Commander for the United States Installations in Vicenza conducts change of command ceremony
Training Support Activity Europe
Dec. 1, 2025 | 52:13
U.S. Army Soldiers, Department of Army civilians, family and community members gather with Italian military and community leaders at Vicenza High School in Vicenza, Italy on Nov. 26, 2025, for the Italian Base Commander for the United States Installations in Vicenza change of command ceremony. Col. Michele Amendolagine served as the Italian Base Commander for the U.S. Installations in Vicenza, Italy, from February 2021 to November 2025. During his almost four years as the base commander, his expertise and knowledge of working with national and local authorities aided United States military leaders and members of the Vicenza Military Community. (U.S. Army video by Davide Dalla Massara)
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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.