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

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Video by Ayako Watsuji
#Army250 Soldier Spotlight_CPT Jorge Vargas, U.S. Army Japan G35
U.S. Army Garrison - Japan
May 9, 2025 | 1:05
June 14 will mark the 250th Army Birthday. The central birthday theme is “This We’ll Defend,” which highlights the Army’s purpose of fighting and winning our nation’s wars.

As we celebrate #Army250 and reflect on the rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication, the U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public Affairs will also be highlighting some Soldiers to tell their story as part of our “Soldier Spotlight” series.

Capt. Jorge Vargas, a future operations planner assigned to U.S. Army Japan G35, will mark his 19th year in the Army in June.

In this vignette, Vargas shares why he is proud to be an American Soldier and why he continues to serve.

Opening graphics by Luis Casale, Visual Information Division

#Army250 #SoldierStories #MakeADifference #BeAllYouCanBe
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.