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 Spc. Ashley Xie
XVIII ABC Best Squad Competition 25: EIB Lanes
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
April 14, 2025 | 2:46
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps complete the EIB lane portion during day zero of the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on April 13, 2025, at Fort Campbell, Ky. The XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition pits the top squads from brigade-level best squad competitions against one another in a fierce competition involving warrior tasks and battle drills, weapons qualification, and intense physical training. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Ashley Xie)
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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.