Army exercise largest in 25 years

By U.S. Army Public AffairsOctober 7, 2019

WASHINGTON -- The Department of the Army announced today the largest U.S.-based Army exercise of forces to Europe in the last 25 years.

The exercise, called DEFENDER-Europe 20, will increase strategic readiness and interoperability by exercising the U.S. military's ability to rapidly move a large combat force of soldiers and equipment from the continental United States to Europe, and, alongside allies and partners, quickly respond to a potential crisis.

The U.S. Army Europe-led, joint, multinational training exercise is scheduled in the spring of 2020 and supports objectives defined by NATO to build readiness within the alliance and deter potential adversaries.

"DEFENDER-Europe 20 is a great opportunity to demonstrate the US Army's un-matched ability to rapidly project forces across the globe while operating alongside our allies and partners in multiple contested domains," said Lt. Gen. Charles Flynn, the US Army Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7.

Approximately 37,000 U.S., allied, and partner nation service members are expected to participate, with roughly 20,000 Soldiers deploying from the U.S.

Multiple media events are planned during the exercise. Media interested in covering DEFENDER-Europe 20 should contact the U.S. Army Europe media desk at USArmyEurope.MediaDesk@mail.mil.