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

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Video by Staff Sgt. Fred Brown
Coalition Forces and Syrian Free Army Conduct Cold and Hot Load Air Assault Training at Al-Tanf Garrison
Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve
March 25, 2025 | 5:13
Coalition Forces assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Armadillo, and Syrian Free Army (SFA) soldiers participated in cold and hot load air assault training at Al-Tanf Garrison, Syria. The training involved UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, where personnel learned the crucial techniques of rapidly loading personnel and cargo onto running aircraft (hot loading) and safely loading with engines off (cold loading). These techniques are vital for ensuring quick and secure air mobility operations in various mission scenarios. The exercise underscores the Coalition's commitment to advising, assisting, and enabling partner forces in the fight against ISIS and maintaining regional security and stability.
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.