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. Blake Gonzales
Rick Holland Visits Phou Pha Thi
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Jan. 30, 2025 | 29:41
B-roll package of Rick Holland, son of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melvin Holland, visiting Phou Pha Thi, Laos, Jan. 24, 2025. On March 11, 1968, 11 airmen were killed during an attack on Lima Site 85, including Tech. Sgt. Melvin Holland. This incident remains the largest single ground-combat loss of U.S. Air Force personnel during the Vietnam War. The package includes video and audio of Rick Holland climbing Phou Pha Thi, as well as interviews at the summit and phone calls with his family. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech Sgt. Blake Gonzales)
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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.