Video

Video by Sgt. Joseph Mcdonald

Minnesota National guard 2-135 Infantry Battalion prep Prepositioned gear for Defender 2023

319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

May 18, 2023 | 1:09

1st Lt. Per Peterson and Sgt. Christopher Preston of 2-135 Infantry Battalion highlight the valuable training opportunity as they discuss the acquisition of Prepositioned gear. They share their experiences of utilizing this gear in the field for the first time, emphasizing the significance of this unique endeavor for their unit's mission readiness and operational effectiveness. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.