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 Capt. Aaron Peskuski
661st Engineer Construction Company Preparing for Deployment
Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard Public Affairs
June 27, 2025 | 0:10
661st Engineer Company, 123rd Engineer Battalion, 404th Mobility Enhancement Brigade, Illinois National Guard, providing a quick reaction force during lanes training Jun. 9 at Marseilles Training Center, Ill. The unit is training to deploy to the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Capt. A.J. Peskuski)
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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.