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 Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves
Okinawa VFW supports military spouses
AFN Okinawa
June 6, 2025 | 1:00
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Magen Reeves, broadcaster at American Forces Network, narrates a video highlighting a military spouses event held in the local community hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9723 in Kitanakagusuku, Okinawa, Japan, May 31, 2025. Reeves interviewed Cortez Pree, commander of the VFW Post 9723, and Andrew Ou, Principle Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Okinawa, Japan, about the importance of maintaining connection with military spouses past and present, as well as simultaneously supporting the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Japan in Okinawa. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves)
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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.