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 Pfc. Alyssa Norton
2-87 IN Soldiers Run the Col. Darby 40-Miler Ranger Challenge
27th Public Affairs Detachment
May 2, 2025 | 1:26
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), runs the Col. Darby 40-Miler Ranger Challenge in Torbole, Italy, April 30, 2025. Standing on the very soil where history was forged through sacrifice, the Soldiers formed a bridge across generations, bound by the same values of courage, duty, and honor that defined those who came before them. The rigorous event honored Col. William O. Darby, founder of the U.S. Army Rangers, and the 25 Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division who died on April 30, 1945, during the final days of World War II in Europe. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Alyssa Norton)
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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.