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 Jorge Gomez
If It's Supposed to Move, Never Stop Moving It
Irwin Army Community Hospital
June 17, 2025 | 6:32
After a stroke nearly ended his Army career, SFC Jeffrey Peters fought his way back—one pedal at a time.

In this interview, Peters, a platoon sergeant with Fort Riley’s Soldier Recovery Unit, shares how cycling and adaptive sports helped him reclaim his strength, his identity, and his sense of purpose. Selected to represent Team Army at the 2025 DoD Warrior Games, Peters opens up about the fear of losing his military life, the daily struggle to retrain his body, and the thrill of pushing his limits on three wheels.

His story isn’t just about recovery—it’s about determination, belonging, and finding new power through the camaraderie of competition.

Music titles "Ride the Wind," "In Search of Solitude," and "Victor Lux" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.
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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.