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 Cpl. Grace Stover
Headquarters Battalion Relief and Appointment
2nd Marine Division
June 10, 2025 | 28:43
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Clifford P. Fincham, the Sergeant Major of Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division relinquishes his post to Sgt. Maj. Carlos J. Askew during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 5, 2025. The relief and appointment ceremony was held to signify the passing of authority from one Sergeant Major to the next. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Grace Stover)
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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.