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. Kelvineisha Buck
Lt. Gen. Pepin observes the military support in the southern border mission
DoD Southern Border 2025
Feb. 16, 2025 | 2:16
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Allen Pepin, the commanding general of U.S. Army North Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, observes the efforts military men and women are undertaking in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border at Dona Ana, NM., Feb. 13, 2025. U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border with additional military personnel. This initial deployment of 1,600 active-duty personnel brings the total military Title 10 forces along the border to approximately 4,000 personnel. (Dept. of Defense video by Pfc. Kelvineisha Buck)
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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.